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View image in fullscreenLiverpool facing fixture backlog after Merseyside derby falls to Storm DarraghSafety risk at Goodison Park amid rain and 70mph windLeaders left with little leeway in their packed calendar

Liverpool are facing acute fixture congestion after Saturday’s postponement of the Merseyside derby because of the impact of Storm Darragh.

Should Arne Slot’s Premier League leaders win their Carabao Cup quarter-final at Southampton on 18 December they will have a midweek game every week until mid-February, with the exception of new year.

That would leave them with little leeway in a packed calendar to face Everton for the 245th edition of the derby, and what was due to be the final league derby played at Goodison Park.



Liverpool’s next game will be against Girona in the Champions League on Tuesday with Everton travelling to Arsenal next Saturday.

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Saturday’s hugely anticipated derby – scheduled to kick off at 12.30pm – was called off at 8.30am as winds of up to 70mph and severe weather conditions battered the north-west and the Met Office issued red warnings for large parts of the British Isles.

It was decided that the torrid conditions presented a risk to safety.

A statement released by the two clubs confirmed: “Following a safety advisory group meeting at Goodison Park, attended by officials from both clubs, as well as representatives from Merseyside police and Liverpool city council this morning, it was decided that, 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 6am on Sunday, today’s fixture should be postponed on safety grounds.”

Everton’s statement added: “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.

All tickets purchased for the original fixture will remain valid for the rearranged fixture.”

Liverpool also stated there was no alternative but to postpone the game: “We appreciate this will be deeply disappointing for supporters, but the safety of fans, staff and players is of paramount importance,” stated the club.

Everton donated the food for the derby to a number of local charities.

Some went to Fans Supporting Foodbanks, who would have been collecting donations outside Goodison before the game.
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