The highly anticipated Merseyside derby between Everton and Liverpool, originally scheduled for December 7, 2024, has been postponed due to the severe weather conditions brought on by Storm Darragh. The storm has been characterized by high winds and heavy rain affecting the west coast of the UK, prompting safety concerns for fans, players, and staff [27bf44e6].
The decision to postpone the match was made early Saturday following a meeting of the Safety Advisory Group, which included officials from both clubs, Merseyside Police, and Liverpool City Council. An amber severe wind warning was issued, remaining in effect until 6 AM on Sunday, highlighting the potential dangers posed by the storm [27bf44e6].
Everton announced the postponement on social media platform X, emphasizing their commitment to ensuring the safety of everyone involved. They confirmed that all tickets for the original fixture will remain valid for the rescheduled match. The impact of Storm Darragh was felt beyond just the Merseyside derby, as several other matches in League One and the Championship were also postponed due to the adverse weather conditions [27bf44e6].
This postponement underscores the increasing frequency of weather-related disruptions in sports, reflecting broader concerns about the impact of climate change on outdoor events. As storms become more severe, the safety of participants and spectators remains a top priority for sporting organizations [27bf44e6].