Everton v Liverpool: Merseyside derby postponed due to safety ...

The Merseyside derby between Everton and Liverpool at Goodison Park has been postponed due to concerns over Storm Darragh.

Storm Darragh has caused heavy winds across much of the United Kingdom and led to a red warning from the Met Office for much of Wales and western parts of England.

On Saturday morning, some trains in the region were cancelled due to the storm, and on Friday the two clubs issued a statement telling fans to allow themselves extra time to get to Goodison Park.

Everton released a statement on Saturday morning confirming the match had been postponed.

"Everton’s Premier League fixture against Liverpool, scheduled for 12:30pm today (Saturday, December 7), has been postponed," read the statement.

"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.

"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.

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

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

Liverpool have enjoyed a fine start to Arne Slot's reign as manager, and could have gone 10 points clear at the top of the table with victory over their Merseyside rivals.

But their lead at the summit of the English top-flight could now be cut to four points if Chelsea or Arsenal pick up victory over Tottenham Hotspur or Fulham respectively on Sunday.

The two rivals will now face off later in the season, with the date of the re-arranged fixture yet to be announced.