The highly anticipated Merseyside derby between Everton and Liverpool was postponed on Saturday due to the severe weather conditions brought by Storm Darragh, which caused strong winds and heavy rain across the region. The match, scheduled to begin at 12:30 p.m. (U.K. time), was called off following an early morning statement from Everton regarding safety concerns.
The Met Office reported that parts of Wales experienced wind gusts exceeding 90 mph, prompting ongoing warnings for potentially dangerous conditions. In a social media update, they stated, “Storm Darragh continues to bring strong and potentially damaging winds this afternoon. Heavy rain will also persist for many.”
While the Merseyside derby was postponed, four other Premier League matches remained on schedule for the day. Notably, Manchester United’s match against Nottingham Forest at Old Trafford was still set for 5:30 p.m. local time, with the club assuring supporters they would stay in touch regarding any updates. Games at 3 p.m. local time included Aston Villa hosting Southampton, with Villa emphasizing the need for fans to allow extra travel time due to poor weather.
Teams in London, such as Brentford and Crystal Palace, confirmed their matches would go ahead despite the adverse conditions. Brentford advised fans to travel safely and plan their journeys carefully.
The Met Office’s chief meteorologist Steve Willington noted that the storm would gradually ease as it moved across the UK, with strong winds expected to diminish throughout Saturday. Both clubs, Everton and Liverpool, announced the postponement after safety discussions involving local police and city officials, citing an amber severe wind warning lasting until 6 a.m. on Sunday.
As for the rearrangement of the derby fixture, the Premier League stated that details would be provided in due time.
This unfortunate delay not only ensures player and spectator safety but also emphasizes the importance of community cooperation in the face of challenging weather conditions. Fans can remain optimistic that the rescheduled match will ultimately offer the excitement and rivalry that they look forward to in the Merseyside derby.