The highly anticipated Merseyside derby between Everton and Liverpool was called off due to Storm Darragh, which brought dangerously high winds and heavy rainfall to the area. Originally scheduled to kick off at 12:30 p.m. UK time, the match was postponed after a statement was issued by Everton indicating that safety measures needed to be taken.
According to the Met Office, some areas in Wales experienced wind gusts exceeding 90 mph. They warned that Storm Darragh would continue to bring strong and potentially damaging winds into the afternoon, along with persistent heavy rainfall.
While the Everton vs. Liverpool match was postponed, four other Premier League games took place as planned. Manchester United was set to host Nottingham Forest later in the day, urging fans to stay informed and alert should conditions change. Other games included Aston Villa against Southampton in Birmingham and Brentford hosting Newcastle in London. Despite the bad weather, Brentford and Crystal Palace confirmed their matches would proceed, encouraging fans to take necessary precautions while traveling.
Met Office chief meteorologist Steve Willington noted that the storm would gradually decrease in intensity as it moves across the UK, offering a hopeful outlook for the remainder of the day.
Both Everton and Liverpool, along with local authorities, concluded that safety was paramount due to the amber severe wind warning expected to remain in effect until 6 a.m. Sunday. The Premier League has stated that they will announce a new date for the fixture shortly.
This situation underscores the importance of prioritizing safety, especially in adverse weather conditions. While fans may be disappointed by the postponement, it demonstrates a collective commitment to ensuring the well-being of everyone involved.
In summary, Storm Darragh has led to the postponement of the Merseyside derby, but other matches have gone ahead with safety precautions in place. The storm is expected to ease, highlighting a gradual return to normalcy.