LONDON, Dec. 7 (Xinhua) -- Bad weather has caused what was due to be the last ever Merseyside derby between Everton and Liverpool at Everton's Goodison Park to be postponed.
The arrival of the powerful Storm Darragh, which has placed parts of the west of England on red alert with winds of over 100 km/h, has led to the decision, with Everton explaining the match was postponed after meetings with local police and the local authority.
"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 6 a.m. on Sunday, today's fixture should be postponed on safety grounds."
"Whilst we appreciate this will be deeply disappointing for supporters, the safety of fans, staff and players is of paramount importance," explained the club statement, which explains the historic game will now be played at a later date.
Matches in the second-tier Championship between Cardiff v Watford and Plymouth v Oxford have been postponed, along with the League One game between Bristol Rovers and Bolton Wanderers. ■
