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Everton v Liverpool called off
Dakir Thanveer
Sat 7 December 2024 18:10, UK
Everton and Liverpool were left with no choice but to postpone the Merseyside Derby at Goodison Park on Saturday due to concern for the safety of the fans, according to Giulia Bould.
The final-ever league between the two sides at the Toffees’ iconic stadium was called off on 7 December morning after it fell victim to Storm Darragh, with the BBC Radio Merseyside journalist citing the safety of the supporters as the biggest concern.
Ex-PGMOL chief Keith Hackett mooted damages to the stadium, but Bould assured there is “no risk” to Goodison as it has already been locked down.
“It’s blustery, to say the least, we’ve got an amber weather warning here on Merseyside and that is what’s seen the Merseyside Derby be postponed”, the journalist said in a post via BBC Match of the Day’s X [7 December].
“There was a meeting early this morning between Merseyside police, Liverpool city council, Everton and Liverpool, and it’s really come down to the safety of the supporters this one.
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“Anyone who knows where Goodison Park is, it’s in the heart of the L4 postcode, it’s surrounded by houses, it’s right by the Stanley Park as well.
“It’s just too treacherous in these types of gale-force winds to allow 40,000 supporters to try and make their way into Goodison.
“So, the stadium itself right now is being locked down, there’s no risk to Goodison Park itself.”
Everton v Liverpool postponement explained as Goodison Park risk assessed
Sean Dyche and co would have liked the game to go ahead, having handed Wolves a 4-0 thrashing at home on Wednesday [4 December].
Meanwhile, Liverpool would likely be relieved after being held to a 3-3 draw against Newcastle at St. James’ Park on the same day.
The Reds would also have been without Alexis Mac Allister, who picked up his fifth yellow card of the season in Tyneside, as well as injured trio Alisson, Ibrahima Konate and Diogo Jota.
However, it would not have made sense for the game to be played and put the supporters in threat amid such harsh weather conditions.
Sean Dyche
Everton manager Sean Dyche (credit: Imago)
Both clubs will take a breather amid the busy festive period and await to find out when the fixture will be rescheduled.
Some Everton fans are hopeful that Goodison’s final-ever Merseyside Derby in the Premier League will now be played under the lights later in the season.
In other Everton news, a shock David Moyes return is on the cards after a surprise Dyche-Dan Friedkin twist emerged.
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