This archive report was first published on 7 June 2020.
On June 7, 2020, Liverpool mayor Joe Anderson expressed his support for the Merseyside derby to be played at Goodison Park, reversing his previous stance.
The match, scheduled for June 21, 2020, between Liverpool and Everton, is a crucial game in the Premier League restart following the coronavirus interruption.
With Liverpool leading the league by 25 points, a victory over Everton would secure their first English title in 30 years, pending Manchester City's result against Arsenal on June 17, 2020.
Initially, police chiefs had called for the game to be moved to a neutral venue due to concerns over social distancing rules, but Anderson has now changed his mind.
‘We are 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 website.
‘We have had the opportunity since then to speak to fans and the clubs have done their part and got the message across that supporters need to stay away.
‘Both clubs have made it clear. Jurgen 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.’
