The Merseyside derby between Everton and Liverpool was postponed on Saturday due to the adverse weather conditions brought on by Storm Darragh, which impacted the west coast with high winds and heavy rain. The match was originally set to begin at 12:30 p.m. local time, but by morning, Everton announced that it would not proceed as scheduled.
According to the Met Office, some areas in Wales experienced wind gusts exceeding 90 mph. They warned that Storm Darragh would bring strong, potentially damaging winds and persistent heavy rain throughout the day.
While the Merseyside derby was called off, the other four Premier League matches on Saturday went ahead as planned. Manchester United’s match against Nottingham Forest at Old Trafford was confirmed to start at 5:30 p.m., just 30 miles from Liverpool. The club stated they would continue to monitor the situation and keep fans informed of any changes.
Aston Villa also reminded fans to take extra precautions for travel due to the poor weather conditions in Birmingham. They emphasized safety and asked supporters to allow extra time to arrive at Villa Park.
Meanwhile, in London, both Brentford and Crystal Palace confirmed that their matches against Newcastle and Manchester City, respectively, would continue as scheduled despite the unfavorable weather.
The Met Office’s chief meteorologist, Steve Willington, noted that the storm would start to lessen as it moved across the UK, with winds expected to decline significantly later in the day.
Following a Safety Advisory Group meeting, which included officials from both clubs and local authorities, it was determined that the safety risks warranted postponing the match. The Premier League confirmed that a new date for the fixture would be announced in the future.
This situation highlights the importance of prioritizing safety, particularly in extreme weather conditions. Fans and families planning to attend games are encouraged to stay informed and prioritize safe travel during such events.
In a positive light, the postponement provides an opportunity for both teams to focus on their training and strategy, ensuring they are in optimal form when the derby finally takes place.