The Premier League has confirmed the postponement of the 245th Merseyside derby between Everton and Liverpool, originally scheduled for Saturday, December 7, at 12.30pm UK time, due to safety concerns amid Storm Darragh.
The amber weather warning for wind across the North West prompted the decision after a meeting with the Safety Advisory Group at Goodison Park. Those talks included representatives from both clubs, Merseyside Police, and Liverpool City Council.
As Everton's iconic ground prepares for a rescheduled clash, the exact date for the derby remains up in the air amidst a packed fixture list that includes full Premier League matchweeks, Champions League commitments, and Liverpool's Carabao Cup ties. Despite the disruption, Fantasy Premier League managers were notified that the game's deadline remained set for 11am on Saturday.
The Premier League's statement read: "The Premier League fixture between Everton and Liverpool scheduled for Saturday, December 7, 12.30pm has been postponed.
"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 and the amber severe wind warning that remains in place until 06:00 GMT on Sunday, today's fixture should be postponed on safety grounds.
"The postponement is as a consequence of severe bad weather and high winds from Storm Darragh. High winds overnight has also resulted in severe travel disruption in and around Merseyside. Any further information will be shared as and when it becomes available."
Liverpool will play next on Tuesday against Girona. That match is in the Champions League, with the next Premier League commitment coming next weekend at Anfield against Fulham.