The Merseyside derby, scheduled to kick off at Goodison Park at 12.30pm on Saturday, has been postponed because of the impact of Storm Darragh.

Winds of up to 70mph and severe weather conditions have resulted in travel disruption in and around Merseyside and presented a risk to safety. A decision to postpone the game between Everton and Liverpool was taken at 8.30am on Saturday.

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. 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 also stated there was no alternative but to postpone the 245th edition of the derby, and what was due to be the final league derby played at Goodison Park. “We appreciate this will be deeply disappointing for supporters, but the safety of fans, staff and players is of paramount importance,” stated the club.

The postponement could lead to possible fixture congestion for Arne Slot’s Premier League leaders. Should Liverpool 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.

Everton have donated the food for today’s derby to a number of local charities. Some has been given to Fans Supporting Foodbanks, who would have been collecting donations outside Goodison before the game. The rest will be given to Everton In the Community and will be used across their programmes in the coming days.

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In League One, the Bristol Rovers v Bolton, Crawley v Stevenage and Blackpool v Rotherham games have also been called off, with plenty more postponements possible. Saturday’s Championship games between Cardiff and Watford and Plymouth v Oxford had been called off on Friday, with League Two’s match between Newport and Carlisle following suit after the Football Association of Wales called off all games in its jurisdiction amid a red weather warning. MK Dons’ trip to Barrow and Notts County’s home match with Colchester have also fallen foul of the weather.

Saturday afternoon’s race meetings at Aintree and Chepstow have been called off due to the strong winds but Sandown’s meeting was still going ahead after a morning inspection. Bristol Bears’ women’s game against Exeter Chiefs at Ashton Gate has also been postponed after a pitch inspection.

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