The Merseyside derby between Everton and Liverpool will take place behind closed doors at Goodison Park.
Everton confirmed that the decision to play the game at Goodison was made today by the local Ground Safety Advisory Group, while Liverpool will also be given the opportunity to play all of their remaining home games at Anfield.
The Merseyside derby is scheduled to take place on Sunday, June 21st at 7pm and there was a suggestion that the game could be moved to a neutral venue.
Liverpool could have the chance to secure the Premier League title at the home of their neighbours if Manchester City were to lose to Arsenal on June 17th.
That had led to concerns fans could gather around the ground in breach of COVID-19 restrictions but both clubs have revealed there were positive discussions between the clubs, Liverpool City Council, Merseyside Police, The Everton Fans’ Forum, The Blue Union and Spirit of Shankly.
The group making the decision was chaired by Councillor Wendy Simon, deputy mayor of Liverpool and a safety certificate is now expected to be granted by the relevant licensing committee.
Simon 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.
"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."
Everton and Liverpool will be one of 25 Premier League games Sky Sports will be broadcasting free to air.
Liverpool's remaining games at Anfield will be against Crystal Palace, Aston Villa, Burnley and Chelsea.
After the derby, Everton still have to host Leicester City, Southampton, Aston Villa and Bournemouth at Goodison Park.
Download the brand new OffTheBall App in the Play Store & App Store right now! We've got you covered!
Subscribe to OffTheBall's YouTube channel for more videos, like us on Facebook or follow us on Twitter for the latest sporting news and content.
