The Merseyside derby, which was due to start at Goodison Park at 12.30pm on Saturday, has been postponed due to the impact of Storm Darragh.
Winds of up to 70mph and severe weather conditions have caused disruption to travel in and around Merseyside and presented a safety risk. The decision to postpone the match between Everton and Liverpool It was taken at 8.30 am on Saturday.
A statement issued by the two clubs confirmed: “Following a Security Advisory Group meeting at Goodison Park, attended by officials from both clubs, as well as representatives from Merseyside Police and Liverpool City Council this morning, it was decided that , due to the risk Due to safety in the local area due to strong gusts of wind and an amber warning for high wind which remains in force until 6am on Sunday, today's match should be postponed for safety reasons.”
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Everton's statement added: “We apologize for the inconvenience caused and thank the fans for their understanding. While we know this will be deeply disappointing for fans, the safety of fans, staff and players is of utmost importance. Information regarding a rescheduled date for the meeting will be announced in due course. “All tickets purchased for the original match will remain valid for the rescheduled match.”
Liverpool also stated that there was no alternative but to postpone the 245th edition of the derby, and what was due to be the last league derby played at Goodison Park. “We know this will be deeply disappointing for fans, but the safety of fans, staff and players is of paramount importance,” the club said.
The League One clash between Bristol Rovers and Bolton has also been cancelled, with many more postponements possible. The Championship games between Cardiff v Watford and Plymouth v Oxford were canceled on Friday, and the League Two match between Newport and Carlisle followed suit after the Welsh FA canceled all games in the country amid a warning red climate.
Saturday afternoon's races at Aintree and Chepstow were canceled due to high winds, but Sandown was cleared after a morning inspection.
