Everton vs Liverpool: Merseyside derby POSTPONED as Storm Darragh hits UK

Liverpool’s Premier League game against Everton on Saturday has been postponed amid safety concerns, as Storm Darragh hits the UK.

An amber weather warning is in place in the Merseyside area from 1am until 11pm on Saturday, with extremely high winds and heavy rain forecast.

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Liverpool have officially announced that the Merseyside derby will not take place. They released the following statement:

"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.

We appreciate this will be deeply disappointing for supporters, but the safety of fans, staff and players is of paramount importance.

Information relating to a rearranged date for the fixture, including ticketing, will be announced in due course."

ORIGINAL:

According to the Met Office’s amber wind alert, gusts of up to 70-80 mph are likely around exposed coasts and headlands, where some very large waves are likely, whilst gusts of 60 to 70 mph are likely inland.

During an amber warning, damage to buildings and homes is possible, with roofs blown off and power lines brought down. Flying debris and falling trees could also result in a danger to life.

Storm Darragh is expected to cause disruption across the UK in the coming days.

“The worst impacts from Storm Darragh will be felt as we go through the early hours of tomorrow morning and throughout Saturday with, in addition to the broad yellow warning, red and amber wind warnings in place from 1 am tomorrow,” Chief Forecaster Jason Kelly said on Friday.

The postponement delays the final Merseyside derby scheduled to be played at Goodison Park. It’s not the first time a game at Goodison Park has been postponed due to the weather. Everton were also forced to delay a fixture against Crystal Palace in 2014, after high winds caused building damage.

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