Everton restore controversial Hill Dickinson Stadium feature ahead of Merseyside derby

Everton have brought back their controversial plastic tunnel for players ahead of the Merseyside derby against Liverpool on Sunday.

The Hill Dickinson Stadium – opened in 2025 – will host its first-ever clash between the Toffees and the Reds in the Premier League this weekend.

Both clubs are looking to secure spots in next season's Champions League, with the top five teams in the top flight guaranteed a place.

Everton missed the opportunity to claim maximum points last time out versus Brentford, who secured a 2-2 draw.

Liverpool come into this derby match after being knocked out of the Champions League at the quarter-final stage by current holders Paris Saint-Germain.

There was further pain for the Reds on the pitch in the first half, when Hugo Ekitike suffered a season-ending Achilles injury.

Arne Slot's men currently sit fifth in the Premier League standings, whilst Everton are only five points behind in eighth spot.

Everton restore controversial Hill Dickinson feature

According to Everton News, Everton have restored a controversial feature at the Hill Dickinson Stadium ahead of this weekend's match.

The report claims to have seen pictures of the plastic tunnel making a return to the brand-new stadium before the Merseyside derby.

Everton commenced the Premier League campaign of 2025-26 with the feature, which was instantly met with backlash from supporters.

As a result, the Toffees decided to remove the plastic tunnel, pleasing fans as they get accustomed to their new surroundings on Bramley Moore docks.

However, it is understood that the feature is back in place ahead of Liverpool's visit, potentially with a view for player safety given the hostile nature of the fixture.

This would allow Slot and his first-team squad easy access to the pitch without coming into direct contact with home supporters.

Everton's remaining home fixtures

Looking to secure a spot in UEFA's elite club competition, Everton have three home fixtures left in the Premier League.

Liverpool are the first visitors on Sunday afternoon, before title challengers Manchester City come to the docks on May 4.

Everton's concluding home contest of the campaign arrives on May 17, when surprise package Sunderland visit Merseyside.

FGG says: Safety comes first

Given the backlash to the plastic tunnel from supporters at the beginning of the season, Everton clearly have safety in mind ahead of Sunday's crunch clash.

At the end of the day, as long as the product on the pitch is exciting, there will be no further groans from Evertonians.