Everton Vs Liverpool: Goodison Park To Host Merseyside Derby

This month’s Merseyside derby will take place behind closed doors at Goodison Park on June 21.

Both Liverpool and Everton will play all their remaining home games at Anfield and Goodison respectively, after it was originally proposed that some of their home matches would be played at neutral venues.

Southampton, on England’s south coast, was among the suggestions as an alternative venue for the Merseyside derby after initial police advice recommended that a number of games due to take place in the north of England be moved.

Originally, the police advised that Manchester City vs. Liverpool, Manchester City vs. Newcastle United, Manchester United vs. Sheffield United, Newcastle vs. Liverpool, Everton vs. Liverpool, plus any game in which Liverpool could secure the title, be moved to neutral venues.

The reasons these particular fixtures were singled out for special treatment were not explicitly stated.

Deputy chief constable Mark Roberts of South Yorkshire Police, who heads up football policing in the country, suggested fans could not be trusted not to gather around venues, but gave no explanation as to why these particular games in the north were singled out.

“Our discussions with the Premier League throughout this process have been positive, with a shared focus on the priority of public health,” Roberts said in a statement on May 29.

“As such we have reached a consensus that balances the needs of football, while also minimising the demand on policing.”

Regional police forces have always maintained they have the capacity to deal with these games.

They have worked with clubs and fan representatives to reinforce the idea that it is safe to play the matches at the original venues behind closed doors.

As a result, the Merseyside derby on Sunday, 21 June will be played at Goodison Park.

“We note the decision of the Ground Safety Advisory Group (GSAG) to agree that the outstanding fixtures for the 2019-20 Premier League season can be safely and securely played at Goodison and Anfield,” assistant chief constable Rob Carden of Merseyside police said following today’s announcement.

“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 games 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 issue 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.”

Liverpool’s deputy Mayor, Wendy Simon, who is also chair of the GSAG, believes there is no reason why these games couldn’t be played behind closed doors at the original venues within the city.

“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,” she said.

“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 June 21—which will be broadcast live on free-to-air TV [in the UK] for the first time since the Premier League began.

“We would also advise 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.”