The much-anticipated Merseyside derby between Everton and Liverpool, initially scheduled for Saturday, December 7, at 12:30 GMT, has been postponed due to severe weather conditions caused by Storm Darragh. This decision came after an emergency Safety Advisory Group (SAG) meeting at Goodison Park early Saturday morning.
The meeting, which involved representatives from Everton, Liverpool, Merseyside Police, and Liverpool City Council, concluded that the combination of gale-force winds and an amber severe weather warning rendered the match unsafe for all involved. The amber warning, issued by the Met Office, will remain in effect across the Merseyside region until 6:00 GMT on Sunday, December 8.
Clubs Emphasize Safety Above All
In their official statement, Everton expressed their regret over the disruption caused to fans, while stressing that safety had to be prioritized. The club said:
“We apologise for the inconvenience caused and thank supporters for their understanding. Whilst we appreciate this will be deeply disappointing for supporters, the safety of fans, staff, and players is of paramount importance.
“Information relating to a rearranged date for the fixture will be announced in due course. All tickets purchased for the original fixture will remain valid for the rearranged fixture.”
Liverpool echoed these sentiments, adding:
“Severe weather and high winds have also resulted in significant travel disruption across Merseyside, which solidifies the need to prioritize the well-being of all involved.”
Storm Darragh: A Region in Chaos
Storm Darragh has wreaked havoc across the UK, with Merseyside bearing the brunt of the gale-force winds and torrential rains. Roads have been blocked by fallen debris, public transportation has been severely disrupted, and authorities have issued urgent warnings against non-essential travel.
For fans planning to attend the match, the postponement comes as a blow, but many have acknowledged the severity of the storm. Merseyside Police have reiterated their caution, urging residents to stay indoors unless absolutely necessary.
Historic Game Interrupted
Saturday’s match was set to be the 242nd Merseyside derby and held particular significance as the final derby at Goodison Park before Everton’s move to their new state-of-the-art stadium. The postponement has added to the emotional weight of this historic fixture.
Fans from both sides had marked their calendars, and the atmosphere around the match had been building all week. Unfortunately, Storm Darragh’s arrival has left the passionate footballing community of Merseyside in disarray.
Fantasy Premier League Shake-Up
For Fantasy Premier League (FPL) managers, the postponement adds a layer of complexity to Gameweek 14. With the match now removed from the weekend’s schedule, many managers will need to adjust their strategies, especially those who had selected key players like Mohamed Salah, Darwin Núñez, or Dominic Calvert-Lewin.
Despite the postponement, the FPL deadline remains unchanged at 11:00 GMT on Saturday. As fans and managers scramble to adapt, the disruption caused by the storm is yet another reminder of football’s vulnerability to nature.
Future Steps: Rescheduling and Ticketing
Everton and Liverpool have assured fans that a new date for the derby will be announced soon. Supporters are advised to retain their tickets, as these will remain valid for the rescheduled fixture. Both clubs are working closely with the Premier League to find a suitable date amidst an already congested calendar.
Broader Impact Across Sports
The disruption isn’t confined to football. Several rugby union fixtures and horse racing events in the region have also been canceled due to safety concerns. Across the country, sports organizers are grappling with the challenges posed by Storm Darragh, further highlighting the unpredictable impact of extreme weather on live events.
A Sobering Reminder
As much as football is a beloved game, incidents like this serve as a stark reminder of nature’s power and the need to prioritize human safety over entertainment. While fans, players, and staff alike are disappointed, the decision to postpone the derby underscores the importance of precautionary measures in the face of severe weather.
Merseyside’s football community now awaits news of the rescheduled fixture while weathering the storm—both literally and figuratively. Until then, the focus remains on ensuring everyone stays safe during these turbulent conditions.
