Liverpool mayor says Everton should host Merseyside derby

 

FILE PHOTO: Soccer Football - FA Cup - Third Round - Liverpool v Everton - Anfield, Liverpool, Britain - January 5, 2020 General view during the match Action Images via Reuters/Carl Recine

 

(Reuters) - Runaway Premier League leaders Liverpool should play Everton at Goodison Park in the Merseyside derby instead of the game being switched to a neutral venue as local authorities can now provide a safe environment, Liverpool mayor Joe Anderson said on Sunday.

 

Liverpool will resume their quest for a first top-flight title in 30 years against Everton on June 21 but the venue for the behind-closed-doors fixture was not confirmed when the league released its revised fixtures for the season's restart.

 

Last month, police chiefs had advocated that the match should be played at a neutral venue to prevent fans from congregating outside the stadium and violating social distancing rules amid the COVID-19 pandemic.

 

"We're in a better place than we were four weeks ago and we've been able to convey why it's so important nobody congregates outside or near grounds," Anderson told The Athletic https://theathletic.com/1858509/2020/06/07/merseyside-derby-liverpool-everton-goodison-park-premier-league.

 

"We've had the opportunity since then to speak to fans and the clubs have done their part and got the message across that the supporters need to stay away. Both clubs have made it clear, (Liverpool manager) Juergen Klopp has made it clear.

 

"So I would have no objection to the games being played at our clubs' home grounds -- both the derby at Goodison and Liverpool's games at Anfield."

 

Liverpool, 25 points clear with nine games left, need six points to guarantee winning the league, but if second-placed Manchester City lose their game in hand at home to Arsenal on June 17, the Reds would secure the title by beating Everton.

 

Anderson said Merseyside police had also given the nod for the derby to take place at Goodison Park.

 

"Merseyside police have made it clear they support the derby going ahead and they are the ones responsible for policing outside the ground and maintaining social distancing," he added.

 

(Reporting by Rohith Nair in Bengaluru; Editing by Ken Ferris)

 

-- © Copyright Reuters 2020-06-08

 

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4 hours ago, webfact said:

Last month, police chiefs had advocated that the match should be played at a neutral venue to prevent fans from congregating outside the stadium

as stated lower down in the piece, this was not the case. Police have no worries about the fans congregating.

 

The outstanding issue is the age of the ground and whether the facilities are capable of meeting the new protocols for a big game. Hopefully they will. The clubs, police and council are all ok with things. Just waiting for PL ratifiction.

I think Old Trafford would be a better venue, with tickets sales only to Everton fans.

9 minutes ago, Pedrogaz said:

I think Old Trafford would be a better venue, with tickets sales only to Everton fans.

You are aware that fans are not allowed to attend any fixture, anywhere?

I think the mayor is right. Provided the government rules set to allow the season to re-commence are followed, the match should be played at the venue of the home team. No spectators is a blow to the home team, but they should at least have home advantage.

40 minutes ago, khunken said:

I think the mayor is right. Provided the government rules set to allow the season to re-commence are followed, the match should be played at the venue of the home team. No spectators is a blow to the home team, but they should at least have home advantage.

I agree. But judged on the Bundesliga results since the resumption, it is the away teams that are generally coming out on top. Will be very interesting to see if something similar happens with the PL.

Tell the fans, blues & reds, that if crowds congregate, the match will be declared null & void. Sorted.

1 hour ago, stouricks said:

Tell the fans, blues & reds, that if crowds congregate, the match will be declared null & void. Sorted.

That will be one way of getting the home fans there. Will be their best derby result in years!????????