The Merseyside Derby between Everton and Liverpool has been given the approval to be played at Goodison Park.

"Everton’s Merseyside derby against Liverpool will take place behind closed doors at Goodison Park on Sunday 21 June, 7 pm kick-off," Everton FC confirmed.

The Premier League will resume next week Wednesday, June 17, 2020, and the derby is scheduled on June 21, 2020, but had the venue not decided when the fixtures were released.

Various discussions were held between the with key partners including Liverpool City Council, Merseyside Police, Spirit of Shankly, Everton Football Club, and Blue Union groups at the Liverpool City Council on Wednesday, and a safety certificate was approved to permit Everton host the game at their home grounds.

"It means Everton will play all five of their remaining home fixtures for the 2019/20 season behind closed doors at Goodison, with the derby followed by games against Leicester City on Wednesday 1 July (6 pm kick-off), Southampton, Aston Villa, and Bournemouth. Dates and kick-off times for the final three home matches will be confirmed in due course," Everton added via its official website.

In a statement released by Liverpool on Wednesday, June 10, 2020, the Reds will update stakeholders on the development of the game to be played behind closed doors.

“Further dialogue between all partners is scheduled this week and together will provide clear and regular updates for supporters throughout this process.

We would like to thank the chair, the elected members of GSAG, and all those people who have been working tirelessly in the background for their support as we take the next step to completing the 2019-20 Premier League season.

Councillor Wendy Simon, deputy mayor of Liverpool and chair of the 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. 

READ ALSO:

PL releases fixtures for the first three-match rounds

“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 June 21 - 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.”