Liverpool make surprise statement as arch-rivals Everton say emotional farewell to Goodison Park

Liverpool and Everton may be fierce local rivals but the Reds made it clear there is still plenty of respect there as they made a statement ahead of the final men’s game at Goodison Park.

The stadium will become the permanent ground for Everton’s women’s team as the men’s side move across to their newly built Hill Dickinson Stadium on Bramley-Moore Dock.

Sunday’s clash with Southampton brought the curtain down on 133 years of history and Liverpool took to social media to acknowledge the occasion hours before kick-off.

‘An historic stadium, a place where we have fought against one another and stood with each other,’ the club wrote alongside a black-and-white photo taken after the Hillsborough disaster in 1989.

‘Highs, lows and so many memories. The end of an era at Goodison Park and the beginning of a new one.’

The moving image showed Liverpool supporters holding up a banner of appreciation to their Everton counterparts, which read: ‘The Kop thanks you all. We never walked alone.’ 

Liverpool showed respect for their rivals with a statement marking the ‘end of an era’

The Toffees bid an emotional farewell to their legendary stadium on Sunday afternoon

The two clubs have had plenty of memorable battles at Goodison over the years and their final one was particularly memorable.

Arne Slot’s men were moments from securing victory when James Tarkowski lashed the ball home eight minutes into injury time.

The goal drew wild celebrations from the home fans while it was a blow to Liverpool’s title charge at the time.

Ultimately the Anfield outfit cruised to a 20th top flight triumph while Everton will finish in a respectable 13th after Sunday’s 2-0 win.