The Merseyside derby, a highly anticipated match between Everton and Liverpool, was called off on Saturday due to the severe weather conditions brought by Storm Darragh. The storm, which caused dangerously high winds and heavy rainfall along the west coast, led to the decision just hours before the match was set to start at 12:30 p.m. U.K. time.
The Met Office reported that certain regions in Wales endured wind gusts exceeding 90 mph, prompting warnings for ongoing strong winds and heavy rain throughout the day. Everton released a statement confirming the postponement following a Safety Advisory Group meeting, which involved representatives from both clubs, Merseyside Police, and Liverpool City Council. The decision was made considering the amber severe wind warning in effect until Sunday morning, prioritizing the safety of fans and players.
While the Merseyside derby was postponed, the Premier League confirmed that the other four matches scheduled for Saturday would continue as planned. Among these, Manchester United is set to face Nottingham Forest later in the day, approximately 30 miles away from the storm’s impact zone. Clubs like Aston Villa and Brentford also urged fans to exercise caution and plan ahead when making their travel arrangements to their respective matches.
Steve Willington, the chief meteorologist at the Met Office, indicated that the storm would begin to subside later in the day, hinting that conditions would improve as Storm Darragh moved across the UK.
The Premier League has informed supporters that details regarding a rescheduled date for the postponed match will be announced soon, ensuring fans that they will be kept updated.
This incident serves as a reminder of the importance of safety during extreme weather. Fans and players alike are encouraged to prioritize their well-being, and it highlights the community’s support for one another during challenging conditions. In the midst of harsh weather, the resilience of the football community shines through as they prepare for future matches once the storm passes.