Everton and Liverpool's Premier League Merseyside derby, scheduled for Saturday lunchtime at Goodison Park, has been postponed due to Storm Darragh.
The two rivals were due to open the weekend in the 12.30pm slot for what is set to be the final Premier League derby at Goodison Park before Everton relocate to Bramley-Moore Dock.
However, with the extremely high winds from Storm Darragh posing a danger to life in certain parts of the UK, it has been confirmed by the Liverpool City Council that the game has been called off.
"In light of severe winds caused by Storm Darragh and the threat to life, Everton Football Club has agreed to postpone today's Derby at Goodison Park, following advice from the city's Ground Safety Advisory Group," a statement from the council read.
Liverpool are yet to release a public statement, but Everton said on X: "Today's Merseyside derby at Goodison Park has been postponed due to adverse weather conditions. Full details to follow."
The Merseyside derby is the first and currently only Premier League match to be postponed due to adverse weather conditions, although a handful of lower-league matches have also been called off amid safety fears.
Cardiff City's Championship battle with Watford and Plymouth Argyle's home match with Oxford United will not be played on Saturday, and nor will Bristol Rovers' League One clash with Bolton Wanderers or Newport County's League Two affair with Carlisle United.
When could the Merseyside derby be rescheduled for?
Everton manager Sean Dyche reacts on August 31, 2024© Imago
As the local authorities only made the call to cancel the Merseyside derby on Saturday morning, the Premier League is understandably yet to decide on a new date for the final top-flight encounter between the clubs at Goodison Park.
Finding an alternative weekend or weekday for the encounter is complicated by Liverpool's participation in the Champions League, where Arne Slot's side are on course to reach the last 16 as they sit in first place in the 36-team table.
In addition, the Reds face Southampton in the EFL Cup quarter-finals on December 18, which could precede semi-final encounters on January 6, 2025 and February 3, 2025, as well as the final on March 16.
Both Everton and Liverpool also begin their FA Cup journeys on January 11, and the Reds' final two Champions League league phase matches are scheduled for January 21 and January 29 respectively.
More to follow.
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