The highly anticipated Merseyside derby between Everton and Liverpool was called off Saturday due to the severe weather conditions brought on by Storm Darragh. Strong winds and heavy rain affected the area, prompting Everton to make the announcement regarding the postponement earlier in the day.
The Met Office reported that certain areas of Wales experienced wind gusts exceeding 90 mph. They continued to issue warnings about the potential for damaging winds and persistent heavy rain throughout the day.
While the Merseyside derby was delayed, four other Premier League matches were scheduled to proceed as planned. Manchester United is set to welcome Nottingham Forest later in the day, while Aston Villa will host Southampton, advising fans to allow extra time for travel due to the inclement weather. Similarly, Brentford and Crystal Palace affirmed that their matches would go ahead, urging supporters to plan their journeys carefully and prioritize safety.
According to chief meteorologist Steve Willington, Storm Darragh’s intensity is expected to diminish later in the day as it moves across the UK, which could bring relief to affected areas.
Both clubs involved in the postponed match released nearly identical statements, indicating that the decision came after a Safety Advisory Group meeting. The alert came amidst ongoing concerns for safety due to prolonged high gusts of wind, with an amber severe wind warning still in effect until early Sunday morning.
The Premier League has indicated that details regarding the rescheduling of the match will be announced in the future.
In summary, while the unfortunate weather has disrupted one of the season’s key matchups, the situation serves as a reminder of the importance of safety in sports. As the storm begins to clear, fans can look forward to rescheduled fixtures and continuing support for their teams.