December 7 was scheduled as the date for the Merseyside derby to be played for one last time at Goodison Park, but now that match has been postponed for a natural calamity, making fans of both Everton FC and Liverpool FC wait further to bid adieu to their derby at the iconic stadium, as Everton move to their new home, Bradley-Moore Dock Stadium next season.
This move came as a disappointment for fans of both sides, as they will need to wait more for the iconic and historic clash to happen. Sneak below to know the reason for the cancellation, and postponement of the game, further updates, the expected date for a reschedule, and much more.
Why is the Everton vs Liverpool Merseyside derby postponed?
The Everton vs Liverpool Merseyside derby, scheduled for one last time at Goodison Park has been postponed for the weather warnings issued in early morning of Saturday. The weather was serious, with harsh winds as Storm Darragh was set to appear. The game was called off four hours before kick-off.
It was because of the heavy storm that this game had to be postponed. The storm had a severe effect on the entire United Kingdom. People of both England and Ireland had to battle the severe winds, racing at 93 MPH. As per a report of LiveMint, “A man died in northwest England when a tree fell on his van. Over 100 flood warnings were issued as trains, highways, and flights were disrupted. Nearly 400,000 homes in Ireland remain without electricity.”
Official Statement of the Hosts Everton FC
Following the postponement of the game, hosts Everton FC gave an official update, immediately after the decision was made at Goodison Park, following a meeting between representatives of both clubs and the Liverpool City Council. They clearly mentioned the game not happening, stating, “due to the risk to safety in the local area due to strong wind gusts, and an amber severe wind warning that remains in place until 6 am on Sunday, today’s fixture should be postponed on safety grounds.” The club also shared their apologies for the inconvenience caused, and conveyed that safety is of “paramount importance”.
When will the Everton vs Liverpool Merseyside derby happen next?
Though the official statements say that date of rescheduling will be announced in “due course”, it can be assumed that the match is not happening anytime soon. The game might depend on Liverpool’s UEFA Champions League group phase finish. If the Reds have a top 8 finish, they would directly qualify for the next rounds, giving them a slot free when the play-offs happen in UCL. At that time this schedule can happen.
Given their current rank at the pole position of the CL group phase, they are expected to have a top-eight finish easily, but if that doesn’t happen, they will need to be in the playoffs, letting this fixture happen way later. But as things stand, the chances of such a scenario are unlikely.
What will happen to Everton vs Liverpool match tickets?
Fans can stay assured that their tickets for the Everton vs Liverpool Merseyside derby will stay valid and can be used when the game is rescheduled, as hosts of the game Everton FC have confirmed this through an official statement.