Footage has emerged from inside Goodison Park after the final Premier League match there between Everton and Liverpool was postponed due to the weather conditions in the Merseyside region.
The game will be played at a later date because of adverse wind and rain posing a danger to the safety of spectators. "Liverpool FC can confirm today’s Premier League fixture against Everton at Goodison Park, scheduled for a 12.30pm kick-off, has been postponed," a statement from the club posted on its official website confirmed.
"This is due to severe weather and high winds, which have also resulted in severe travel disruption in and around Merseyside. Following a Safety Advisory Group meeting this morning at Goodison Park, attended by officials from both clubs, as well as representatives from Merseyside Police and Liverpool City Council, 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 6am on Sunday, today’s match is postponed on safety grounds."
Around the Liverpool and Merseyside region, there is an amber weather warning in place from the Met Office with high winds blowing trees over. Merseyrail services from Hunts Cross to the city center were suspended earlier this morning and people have been advised to stay indoors and avoid unnecessary travel.
Football from UK broadcaster TNT Sports shows the blustery conditions inside the stadium. The forecast is for the weather to get worse before it gets better with more wind and rain on the way.
Liverpool.com says: While it is a shame for the game not to be on, it was probably the right decision to call the match off. Safety must come first and it actually could benefit Liverpool to delay it.
By the time the match takes place, Alexis Mac Allister should be available and the injured players including Ibrahima Konate and Alisson Becker might be back. In that sense, waiting should give Arne Slot a better chance of winning.
Aside from all of that, playing a Sean Dyche team in the wind and the rain would be a real leveler. Liverpool is clearly a mile above Everton in terms of ability so playing in normal conditions is much more likely to yield a victory.