Unfavourable weather conditions have forced Everton, the hosts, to postpone their Premier League match against Liverpool, the team said on Saturday.
This Saturday’s Merseyside derby at Goodison Park is the first English Premier League football match to be postponed due to Storm Darragh.
A safety advisory group meeting that included representatives from Liverpool City Council, Merseyside Police, and both clubs’ executives led to the decision to postpone, Everton said in a statement.
“Due to the risk to safety in the local area due to strong wind gusts, and an amber severe wind warning that remains in place until 6am on Sunday, today’s fixture should be postponed on safety grounds,” the statement added.
Merseyside police on Friday had advised residents to avoid any non-essential travel until weather conditions improved.
“We appreciate this will be deeply disappointing for supporters, but the safety of fans, staff and players is of paramount importance,” league leaders Liverpool said in a statement.
“Information relating to a rearranged date for the fixture, including ticketing, will be announced in due course.”
With Everton leaving their home field since 1892 at the end of the season, the game was scheduled to be the final Merseyside Premier League derby at Goodison Park.
Cardiff City vs. Watford and Plymouth Argyle vs. Oxford United, two second-tier Championship games scheduled for Saturday, were also postponed on Friday.
Liverpool will go to Girona for a Champions League match, and following Saturday, Everton, in 15th place, will play Arsenal in the league.
