The highly anticipated Merseyside derby between Everton and Liverpool was postponed due to severe weather conditions caused by Storm Darragh, which brought fierce winds and heavy rainfall to the region. The match, scheduled to kick off at 12:30 p.m. U.K. time, was called off following a statement from Everton early on Saturday morning.
As the storm intensified, parts of Wales experienced wind gusts exceeding 90 mph, leading to hazardous conditions. The Met Office warned that Storm Darragh would continue to create strong winds and persistent rain throughout the day.
Despite the postponement of the derby, four other Premier League matches proceeded as planned. Manchester United was set to face Nottingham Forest at 5:30 p.m. at Old Trafford, while two other matches featuring Aston Villa against Southampton and Brentford hosting Newcastle were also slated for the day.
In light of the storm, Aston Villa advised fans to allow extra time for travel, emphasizing safety amid poor weather conditions. Brentford and Crystal Palace confirmed that their matches would continue as scheduled, reminding supporters to travel safely.
The Met Office indicated that conditions would gradually improve, with the strongest winds expected to ease as the day progressed. Both Everton and Liverpool released similar statements regarding the decision to postpone the match, citing safety concerns stemming from the weather warnings.
The Premier League aims to announce a new date for the fixture shortly, allowing fans to look forward to rescheduling this essential rivalry.
In a hopeful note, while the postponement is undoubtedly disappointing for fans, it underscores the commitment to player and spectator safety, ensuring that the match can be played under more favorable conditions in the future. This approach not only prioritizes safety but also enhances the anticipation and excitement surrounding one of football’s most storied rivalries.