Merseyside Police to challenge Liverpool vs. Everton timing

Merseyside police are reportedly preparing to challenge the kickoff time of this weekend's clash between Liverpool and Everton.

The Merseyside derby is scheduled to get underway at 5.30pm on Saturday, but police are concerned that the timing is more likely to lead to alcohol-fuelled trouble from rival sets of supporters.

The Goodison Park clash has a 'Category C' label, meaning that potential problems are more likely to arise, and police are taking their case to a magistrates hearing on Tuesday, according to the Liverpool Echo.

Mayor of Liverpool Joe Anderson is said to have written to the Premier League to express his concerns, but the governing body rejected the initial request to bring the game forward to the lunchtime slot.