Everton vs. Liverpool has been officially postponed upon advice from authorities, after a red warning was issued for high-speed winds due to Storm Darragh.
Millions across the UK received an overriding message on their mobile phones on Friday evening as the government warning the public of the expected impact of Storm Darragh.
The Met Office had warned of wind gusts of up to 70 miles per hour in the early hours of Saturday morning, which led Liverpool to advise fans to allow extra time to travel.
But an escalation in the weather has led to a tough decision from the two clubs – in accordance with the Premier League and local authorities – to postpone the Merseyside derby.
Liverpool were set to kick off at Goodison Park for the final time in the Premier League at 12.30pm on Saturday, but now a new date will be found for the clash.
When that will fall remains to be seen, but there is a strong chance it will come considerably later in the season due to scheduling conflicts.
Provided Liverpool finish in the top eight of the Champions League‘s league phase and advance to the semi-finals of the Carabao Cup at the expense of Southampton, the earliest they could reschedule for would be in mid-February.
There would be a spare midweek on both February 10/11 and 18/19 when the Champions League playoff round takes place – the latter would be days before the trip to Man City in the league.
Further information will be issued by Liverpool in due course, but this is undoubtedly a blow to the momentum of Arne Slot‘s side.