Everton explain why Merseyside derby had to be postponed

Saturday's Merseyside derby between Everton and Liverpool has been postponed due to adverse weather conditions affecting the safety of fans and players traveling to Goodison Park.

This highly anticipated clash was to be the first of its kind. Premier League weekend, pitting league leaders Liverpool against local rivals Everton. However, the Toffees announced on Saturday morning that the clash would have to be postponed as a storm, called Storm Darragh, swept across the country.

Warnings issued Friday evening raised doubts about whether the weekend meeting could go ahead, with local police advising against non-essential travel to the area.

After their first statement on Saturday morning, Everton later explained why the Reds' visit had to be delayed.

A message from the club read: “Following a meeting of the Security Advisory Group at Goodison Park, attended by officials from both clubs, as well as representatives from Merseyside Police and Liverpool City Council this morning, he been decided that due to the safety risk in the local area due to strong wind gusts and an orange high wind warning which remains in effect until 6 a.m. Sunday, today's meeting Today should be postponed for security reasons.

“We apologize for the inconvenience caused and thank supporters for their understanding. While we appreciate that this will be deeply disappointing for supporters, the safety of supporters, staff and players is of paramount importance.

“Information regarding a rearranged date for the meeting will be announced in due course. All tickets purchased for the original meeting will remain valid for the rearranged meeting.”

that of Liverpool a short visit to Everton was to be the last at Goodison Park before the Toffees leave their current home at the end of the 2024/25 campaign. Everton triumphed 2-0 over the Reds in their last home derby on Merseyside in April and would have hoped to knock their rivals down the pecking order in the December encounter.

READ THE LATEST PREMIER LEAGUE NEWS, RUMORS AND GOSSIP