The Merseyside derby between Everton and Liverpool has been postponed due to the severe weather conditions caused by Storm Darragh, which has brought strong winds and heavy rain to the region. The match was set to begin at 12:30 p.m. U.K. time but was canceled after Everton announced the decision earlier in the day.
According to the Met Office, parts of Wales recorded wind gusts exceeding 90 mph. The weather service warned that Storm Darragh is expected to bring ongoing strong winds and persistent heavy rain throughout the day.
While the Merseyside derby was called off, the Premier League confirmed that the four other matches scheduled for Saturday would proceed. Manchester United’s game against Nottingham Forest is set to take place later in the day at 5:30 p.m. local time at Old Trafford, approximately 30 miles from Liverpool. Both clubs are closely monitoring the conditions and have communicated with fans to ensure safety.
Aston Villa is hosting Southampton and has advised supporters to leave extra time for travel to Villa Park in Birmingham due to adverse weather. Similar announcements were made by Brentford and Crystal Palace, indicating their matches against Newcastle and Manchester City would go ahead as planned.
The Met Office’s chief meteorologist, Steve Willington, noted that the storm’s intensity is expected to decrease by late morning as it moves across the UK.
Everton and Liverpool, through their joint statements, affirmed that the decision to postpone the game was made during a Safety Advisory Group meeting, which involved officials from both clubs and local authorities. The Premier League has stated that a new date for the fixture will be announced in the future.
As Storm Darragh passes, it serves as a reminder of the unpredictability of weather and the importance of safety in sporting events. Fans await the rescheduling details, hopeful for a safe and thrilling encounter in the near future.
Summary: The Merseyside derby between Everton and Liverpool was postponed due to extreme weather conditions from Storm Darragh, which caused heavy winds and rain. While this match was canceled, the majority of other Premier League games scheduled for the day are still set to proceed as planned. Safety was prioritized, and fans are encouraged to stay safe and informed during these challenging weather conditions.