Police insist they have "no objections" to Merseyside derby being held at Goodison Park

Merseyside Police have given the green light for Everton to host the Merseyside derby - but they maintain they will adhere to the recommendation of the Safety Advisory Group

Merseyside Police are willing to facilitate matches at Goodison Park and Anfield as the Premier League returns next month.

However, they maintain they will follow the recommendation of the Safety Advisory Group (SAG) as talks continue over certain matches being moved to neutral venues.

The Premier League is set to resume behind closed doors on 17 June but police recommended six of the remaining 92 games be moved to neutral venues.

One of those six matches is the Merseyside derby set to be hosted at Goodison - which it is feared could attract a crowd despite the lockdown measures in place across the country.

But Merseyside Police insist they will facilitate the match if it is not moved to a neutral venue - though the SAG will have the final say.

"Merseyside Police is ready to provide whatever policing is required of us in relation to games being played at our Premier League stadia once the season restarts," said Assistant Chief Constable Rob Carden.

"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.

"We have a good working relationship with both clubs, and their fan groups, and are content that we can work together in advance of the restart of the season.

"Decisions in relation to public health risk are made by the Government and Public Health England and ultimately the final decision rests with the Safety Advisory Group, which is chaired by Liverpool City Council in line with the decisions made nationally in relation to sporting events."

Liverpool are on the brink of their first league title in 30 years thanks to their 25-point lead at the top of the table. The Reds need just two wins from their remaining nine games to secure the triumph.

Meanwhile, neighbours Everton will resume the season aiming to improve on their current standing of 12th under Carlo Ancelotti.

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