Everton vs Liverpool called off hours before kick-off as official statement released
The final Premier League Merseyside derby at Goodison Park has been postponed.
The final Premier League Merseyside derby between Everton and Liverpool to take place at Goodison Park has been called off hours before kick-off.
The match has been postponed due to safety fears surrounding Storm Darragh, which is set to cause major disruption to the UK’s sporting schedule on Saturday.
The Met Office has warned that winds of 90mph (144kmph) could batter the UK, weather which has been classed as potentially life-threatening.
That has led the the derby being called off, with a rearranged date for the match to be decided at a later time.
Officials from Everton and Premier League leaders Liverpool, Merseyside Police and representatives from Liverpool City Council attended a meeting on Saturday morning, where the postponement was deemed necessary “due to the risk to safety in the local area”.
Everton confirmed the match has been called out with an official statement on social media.
“Everton’s Premier League fixture against Liverpool, scheduled for 12.30pm (GMT) today, Saturday 7 December 7, has been postponed,” read the statement.
“Following a Safety 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 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.
“We apologise for the inconvenience caused and thank supporters for their understanding. Whilst we appreciate this will be deeply disappointing for supporters, the safety of fans, staff and players is of paramount importance.”
The match is the final Premier League Merseyside derby at Goodison Park (Image: Getty)
Liverpool released their own similar statement shortly after.
“We appreciate this will be deeply disappointing for supporters, but the safety of fans, staff and players is of paramount importance,” read the statement.
The match is the first Premier League fixture to be postponed due to Storm Darragh, although a number of other major sporting events have already been called off.
The Championship matches between Cardiff City and Watford, and Plymouth Argyle and Oxford United, were both called off on Friday.
Meanwhile, racing at Aintree just a few miles from Goodison Park was also called off on Saturday morning, shortly before the derby was postponed.
Barring any potential meeting in the FA Cup later this season, the postponed fixture will be the final Merseyside derby to take place at Goodison Park – with Everton moving to their new Bradley-Moore Dock stadium next season.
Liverpool are currently seven points clear of Chelsea and Arsenal at the top of the Premier League but could now see that lead cut to just four points this weekend.
Tony Bellew reacts to Everton win on I’m A Celeb
Arsenal travel to Fulham on Sunday, while Spurs host Chelsea in another London derby later that afternoon.
Featured Image Credit: Getty
Topics: Liverpool, Everton, Premier League, Football
Rory O’Callaghan
Worrying footage emerges inside Everton’s new stadium ahead of opening next season
Everton are set to move into their new stadium next summer.
Worrying footage has emerged inside Everton’s new stadium ahead of the grand opening next summer.
Everton will leave Goodison Park for their plush 52,888 capacity stadium on Bramley-Moore Dock next summer.
Goodison Park has been the club’s stadium for the last 132 years, with the Toffees set to move into their new £800 million ground ahead of the 2025/26 campaign.
Ahead of opening their new stadium, it seemingly experienced a major leak amid torrential rain in Merseyside.
A clip shared on X shows water pouring down the steps and into the stadium due to an apparent leak from the roof.
@Tesco I think one of your new stores has an issue
Needless to say, rival fans reacted to the footage as some people referenced Manchester United‘s Old Trafford, which has had its own problems.
One X user joked: “Manchester United liked this tweet.”
A second said: “Just like the Everton defence leaking all over the place.”
A third added: “Floodison park.”
A fourth commented: “Should call it the Aqua Dome.”
Another tweeted: “Just a blue Old Trafford.”
Everton have struggled for consistency this season, winning just two games before Wednesday’s game against Wolves.
But Sean Dyche’s side picked up three important points over Wolves following their 4-0 victory.
And in a previous interview, Dyche, who has been under pressure amid his team’s form, has said he hopes he is still in charge to witness the new ground next season.
“Of course I do [want to be here]. What, dig this out for 21 months, or whatever it will be by then, for them to go: ‘Thanks for looking after us, off you pop?’
“Of course I would, but there is no divine right that they will say: ‘You are definitely the person to do this’. And, if not, that is the way it goes.”
Featured Image Credit: X/@_______reece
Topics: Fan Reactions, Everton, Football
Nasir Jabbar
Kyle Walker issues bold statement to Man City fans on Instagram after being called out after Liverpool defeat
The City right-back has responded to fans.
Manchester City right-back Kyle Walker has issued a response after receiving criticism from fans after his side’s 2-0 defeat to Liverpool in the Premier League on Sunday.
Walker, 34, captained the side which failed to win for seventh game in a row, with a sixth defeat in seven matches, meaning they sit fifth in the league.
He was just one of several City players who put in a poor performance and were called out by unhappy fans on social media.
On Monday afternoon, he posted a statement to Instagram.
The defender posted a photograph of him in action titled ‘A message to our fans’.
“We know our recent performances haven’t been up to the standard we expect, and we’re aware it’s been tough,” read the caption.
“But we’ve been through these challenges before, together, and we’ll come through this one as well. It’s important that we all stay together as one club, as Manchester City, through this tough spell.
“Your support, whether in the good times or the difficult moments, means everything to us.
“We’ve won titles in the final games of the season, and we’ve made history with a record-breaking 100-point campaign, right down to the last kick.
“We’ve shown time and time again that we can rise to the challenge, and we will do so again. I promise you, we’ll fight until the very end ”
Kyle Walker had a tough afternoon at Anfield (Credit:Getty)
Fans were quick to give their thoughts in the comments section of the post.
One said: “Keep going, you guys got this, win or lose I’ll always support you guys never give up.”
Another added: “Come on city”
A third commented: “With all due respect, you have been a great player for us and we still believe in you but leave the captaincy.”
With a fourth saying: “Love it captain, we’ll be back.”
Walker was arguably at fault for Liverpool’s opener on Sunday, he lost track of Cody Gakpo’s run before Mo Salah whipped a ball across the City penalty area allowing Gakpo to nudge the ball into the net.
Even for Liverpool’s second goal, the defender took a heavy touch after Ruben Dias lost control of the ball, which allowed Liverpool’s Luis Diaz to prod the ball away from City’s defence before being brought down by Stefan Ortega for a penalty.
Salah converted the spot kick to give Liverpool a two goal lead.
Featured Image Credit: Getty
Topics: Manchester City, Kyle Walker, Premier League, Liverpool, Football