Everton vs Liverpool: Why is the Merseyside Derby Called Off? When will it be Played Again and What about the Tickets Issue?

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The highly anticipated Premier League Merseyside derby between Everton and Liverpool at Goodison Park has been called off hours before the match.

The decision to call off the game, which was set to kick off at 12:30 pm GMT / 6 pm IST, was made during a safety advisory meeting held on Saturday morning.

Why is the Liverpool vs Everton Merseyside Derby Cancelled?

The match has been postponed due to severe safety concerns arising from Storm Darragh. The storm caused significant disruption across Merseyside, prompting an amber weather warning to be issued early Saturday morning.

Officials from both clubs, Merseyside Police, and Liverpool City Council attended the meeting. After assessing the situation, they concluded that the strong wind gusts and ongoing weather conditions posed serious safety risks in the local area.

A joint statement from the two clubs explained the reasoning: "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, it was decided that, due to the risk to safety in the local area and an amber severe wind warning, today's fixture should be postponed on safety grounds."

Clubs disappointed after Match postponement

Both clubs expressed their disappointment but emphasized that the safety of fans, staff, and players was the top priority. Liverpool FC's statement confirmed the fixture's postponement, highlighting severe weather and travel disruptions caused by Storm Darragh.

The postponement is significant for several reasons. Not only was it the final Premier League Merseyside derby scheduled to take place at Goodison Park before Everton's move to their new Bradley-Moore Dock stadium next season, but Liverpool also risk losing their seven-point lead at the top of the table. Depending on results elsewhere, Chelsea or Arsenal could narrow the gap over the weekend.

Storm Darragh has caused widespread havoc across the UK, with various other matches have been cancelled as well. A red warning for wind was issued in parts of Wales and southwest England, with authorities urging residents to stay indoors.

Everton, currently 15th in the table, will resume Premier League action next Saturday against Arsenal. Meanwhile, Liverpool have a Champions League match against Girona in the week.

When will Everton vs Liverpool Match be Played?

At the moment, the Premier League hasn't provided a rescheduled date for the Merseyside derby. The information regarding the new date for the Merseyside derby will be announced in due course, but it is likely to take place in 2025.

As the Reds are still in the Carabao Cup and Champions League, the rescheduled match may be played in February. With the matches scattered across the next few months, the match can be played in the week of 11-12 February next year.

Everton vs Liverpool: Tickets shall be Valid for Rearranged Fixture

Everton added an apology to fans, thanking them for their understanding, and assured that tickets for the original fixture would remain valid for the rearranged date. It means that the fans will not have to buy a new ticket for the rescheduled fixture when it takes place later in the season.