Merseyside Derby

Lore & Background

The rivalry originated from a split at Everton in 1892, when Everton directors vacated Anfield and moved to Goodison Park, and John Houlding created Liverpool FC to use Anfield. The derby was traditionally called the 'friendly derby' due to many families having supporters of both clubs, and it was one of the few without total fan segregation. Since the mid-1980s, the rivalry has intensified and has seen more red cards than any other Premier League game.

In Their Own Story

The rain lashed against the floodlights at Old Trafford, turning the pitch into a slick, green battlefield. The air was thick with the roar of seventy thousand voices, a cacophony of red scarves and yellow flares creating a wall of sound that seemed to vibrate through the stadium's foundations. It wasn't just another match; it was the culmination of a season-long war between two giants. As the referee blew the whistle for kick-off, the tension in the atmosphere was palpable, a shared understanding among fans on both sides that history was being written with every pass and tackle.

Reader's Guide

The first Merseyside derby was on 13 October 1894. In the 1980s, notable matches include the 1984 League Cup final (nicknamed the 'friendly final'), the 1986 FA Cup final (won 3–2 by Liverpool), and the 1989 FA Cup final (also won 3–2 by Liverpool after extra time). The 1984–85 season began with a Charity Shield win for Everton. The 1985–86 season saw Liverpool complete the double by beating Everton in the league and FA Cup final.

Did You Know?

• The Merseyside derby is the longest running top-flight derby in England.
• The 1984 Football League Cup final was nicknamed the 'friendly final' because fans of both teams mixed and chanted 'Merseyside'.
• Since the mid-1980s, the derby has seen more red cards than any other Premier League game.
• Everton and Liverpool's home grounds are less than a mile apart across Stanley Park.