The Merseyside derby between Everton and Liverpool, scheduled for Saturday, was postponed due to Storm Darragh, which brought severe winds and heavy rain to the region. The match was set to commence at 12:30 p.m. U.K. time, but in the morning, Everton announced that the fixture would not take place.
The Met Office reported winds exceeding 90 mph in parts of Wales, prompting warnings of ongoing hazardous weather conditions. “Storm Darragh continues to bring strong and potentially damaging winds this afternoon. Heavy rain will also persist for many,” the Met Office noted on social media.
While the Merseyside derby was postponed, four other Premier League matches proceeded as planned. Manchester United is set to host Nottingham Forest at 5:30 p.m. local time at Old Trafford, with the club promising to keep supporters updated on any changes throughout the day.
For the remaining fixtures, Aston Villa encouraged fans traveling to their game against Southampton to allow extra time due to the adverse weather and safety concerns. Brentford’s match with Newcastle and Crystal Palace’s encounter with Manchester City also remained on schedule, with both clubs urging fans to prioritize safety and plan their journeys accordingly.
According to Met Office chief meteorologist Steve Willington, the storm was expected to begin subsiding in the late morning, indicating a gradual improvement in conditions as it moved across the UK.
Everton and Liverpool each released similar statements regarding the postponement, emphasizing the decision was made after consultations with local authorities, highlighting safety as the primary concern given the amber wind warning in effect until early Sunday.
The Premier League will provide updates on the rescheduling of the postponed match in due time.
In conclusion, while the postponement may disappoint some fans, it demonstrates the league’s commitment to prioritizing safety in the face of adverse weather conditions. With the storm expected to pass, there is hope that normalcy can return soon, allowing fans to enjoy their teams’ matches in better weather.