Liverpool and Everton given green light to play Merseyside Derby at Goodison Park

The match will take place at Goodison Park on June 21
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David Lynch10 June 2020

Liverpool and Everton have been given the go-ahead to contest their upcoming Merseyside derby meeting at Goodison Park.

A local Safety Advisory Group comprising representatives from both clubs, Liverpool City Council, Merseyside Police and fan unions have given their support to the fixture going ahead in the city.

The Reds' visit to Goodison Park was one of a handful of games highlighted by police as a potential safety concern ahead of the Premier League's restart.

However, the need for a neutral venue has now been avoided, with all stakeholders on Merseyside agreeing to host the game locally.

Councillor Wendy Simon, deputy mayor of Liverpool and chair of the Ground Safety Advisory Group (GSAG), said: “We are satisfied that the considerable evidence and guidance provided by the Government, Everton and Liverpool Football Clubs, Public Health colleagues and Merseyside Police will ensure that the outstanding fixtures for the 2019/20 Premier League season can be safely and securely played at both Goodison Park and Anfield.

“A lot of factors have been taken into consideration by the GSAG, especially the safety of the players, match officials and staff in attendance at both stadia. We are confident the measures in place will allow the matches to be held behind closed doors without any detrimental impact to all concerned and recommend to the city council that the safety certificates for both grounds be amended to allow this to happen.

“I’m sure fans of both teams will welcome this recommendation and, subject to ratification, we look forward to watching the first of these matches - the Merseyside Derby on 21 June - which will be broadcast live on free-to-air TV for the first time since the Premier League began.

“We would also advise that everyone, wherever they may be watching these fixtures, to strongly adhere to the guidance on social distancing around the current Covid-19 pandemic and for not only these matches but the wider relaxation measures anticipated for the city.”

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The news also means that Liverpool will be able to play out the remainder of their home fixtures at Anfield, despite initial fears over possible celebrations were they to go on and lift the title.

Merseyside Police assistant chief constable Rob Carden gave his backing to the GSAG's decision, and urged supporters to watch the games from home.

He said: “We note the decision of the Ground Safety Advisory Group to agree that the outstanding fixtures for the 2019/20 Premier League season can be safely and securely played at Goodison and Anfield.

“Working together with both teams, Liverpool City Council, Spirit of Shankly, Blue Union, and other supporter groups we want to ensure that everyone enjoys the game from the safety of their own home.

“In relation to crime and disorder we have no objections to any of the Everton, or Liverpool, home fixtures being played at their respective grounds.

“The main issues of concern was always going to be public health. It is not the role of the police to make operational decisions on the basis of public health. We are guided by experts in public health and the Government. We accept the decision of the GSAG in this respect and will work closely with our partners to play our part in delivering safe events.

“We are still in unprecedented times due to the COVID-19 pandemic and there are strong concerns in Merseyside, and the wider North West, due to the fact that the R rate here is still higher than the rest of the country. For that reason we would urge supporters to do the right thing – stay at home, enjoy the opportunity to watch every second of the game free of charge on your own TV , in your own living room and keep yourself, your family, friends and neighbours safe.”

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