Mackenzie Kinsella and his nan Jo were devastated when they heard Everton v Liverpool had been postponed due to Storm Darragh
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Updated 18:21, 08 Dec 2024
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15 year old Everton fan Mackenzie Kinsella with his nan Jo Kinsella
15 year old Everton fan Mackenzie Kinsella with his nan Jo Kinsella
A ‘heartbroken’ Everton fan spent over £1,000 to go to his first Merseyside derby only for the game to be called off due to Storm Darragh. Mackenzie Kinsella, 15, from Sydney, has been a huge blue from birth thanks to his Scouse mum Rita.
The teenager has been to Goodison Park several times before but has never got the chance to see the blues face Liverpool in one of England’s most famous fixtures. The ECHO reported on how he had spent around £1,400 on flights to Liverpoolto watch his club.
But on Saturday, December 7, Mackenzie woke up to the news that the game had been postponed as heavy winds hit the region. Speaking to the ECHO about how he felt about the postponement, Mackenzie said: “I was definitely heartbroken. It was the main thing I wanted to do with my trip. I only really heard about the storm on Friday night, just little rumours that it might be called off. The stuff I was hearing about 80mph winds sounded mad.
READ MORE: Liverpool weather updates as yellow weather warning issuedREAD MORE: Woman 'terrified' after opening curtains during Storm Darragh
“I was a bit sad to be honest. It was a big game that was so significant and I wanted to be part of history with it being the last one at Goodison potentially.
“My nan was quite heartbroken too. She said, ‘you’ve come all this way on your own, it’s such a shame that it's off’. She would have loved me to have gone to the derby.”
It’s not yet known when the Goodison fixture will be arranged. There is a hectic Christmas schedule ahead, with both team’s participation in the FA Cup next month and Liverpool's games in the League Cup and Champions Leagues complicating matters.
However, Mackenzie is still hopeful he will be able to see the game. He said: “I really want to find a way to get back for it. I’ve still got time.”
Mackenzie’s story was shared on the ECHO and other media outlets. This didn’t go unnoticed by Everton, with captain Seamus Coleman delivering a personal message on social media inviting him to the club’s Finch Farm training ground tomorrow morning.
In the video to Mackenzie, Coleman says: “I know how hard you saved up to travel from Australia for the Merseyside derby. I know you were looking forward to the experience of being at the last Merseyside derby at Goodison.
“So I’m sure you’ll be very disappointed today. We all are, all us Evertonians are, we were all looking forward to the game. But we’d love to see you down here at the training ground on Monday if that’s OK with you? Hopefully you can see a few of the lads, and hopefully it’ll make up for some of the disappointment and we can have a chat then.”
Mackenzie is still hoping to see the derby at Goodison Park
Mackenzie is still hoping to see the derby at Goodison Park
Mackenzie was told by a club official about the invite. He said: “On Saturday morning I got a call from Everton, asking if I’d like to come down on Monday to meet all the players. It’s very exciting.
“It’s special to get that message from Coleman. He’s the Everton captain and has probably got loads of stuff to do even with the game being called off. The fact he took the time out of his day to send that was really nice.”
Mackenzie has had a great time in Merseyside despite the cancellations. He went to the Everton game on Wednesday night. They won 4-0 against Wolves, who are the team his midlands-born dad supports.
He has also visited relatives in Birkdale and a big Kinsella family party has been planned before he goes back too. Mackenzie said: “The Wolves game was quite significant for me.
“I got to see players both me and my dad enjoy watching.The atmosphere was fantastic. We hadn’t won in a long time so it was amazing to see a win.”
“I understand why the game was called off. There are bigger things to worry about. I can't really sit here and cry about it. I said it the first time - I got to see my family which is most important. There’s other things I've been able to do.
“It never was just about the derby and never will be. As I say, I'm going to try and get back to the next one. It is what is. I’m sure I'll find a way.”