The highly anticipated Merseyside derby between Everton and Liverpool was postponed due to the severe weather conditions brought by Storm Darragh, which hit the west coast with strong winds and heavy rain. The match was originally set to commence at 12:30 p.m. U.K. time, but concerns for safety led to the decision not to go ahead with the fixture.
As parts of Wales faced wind gusts exceeding 90 mph, the Met Office warned that Storm Darragh would continue to pose risks throughout the day. Their social media update highlighted that both strong winds and heavy rain would persist.
In contrast, the four other Premier League matches scheduled for Saturday remained on track. Manchester United is set to play against Nottingham Forest at 5:30 p.m. local time, with the club emphasizing their commitment to keeping fans informed regarding any changes.
Aston Villa has advised fans to take extra travel time due to expected poor weather conditions, urging everyone to prioritize safety. In London, both Brentford and Crystal Palace confirmed that their matches would proceed, encouraging supporters to travel cautiously and plan ahead.
Met Office chief meteorologist Steve Willington noted that Storm Darragh should begin to calm later in the day as it moves across the UK, which offers a silver lining for fans looking forward to a resolution.
After safety consultations involving both clubs and local authorities, it was concluded that the risk from strong winds warranted the postponement. The Premier League announced that details regarding a rescheduled date for the match would be provided soon.
This situation serves as a reminder of the unpredictable nature of weather and its ability to affect sporting events. As the storm subsides, it is hopeful that a new date for this exciting derby can be finalized, allowing fans to enjoy the passion and rivalry of this historic matchup.