The Merseyside derby between Everton and Liverpool, scheduled for Saturday, was postponed due to the severe weather conditions brought on by Storm Darragh. The storm produced dangerous winds and heavy rainfall along the west coast of England, prompting Everton to announce that the match, originally set to kick off at 12:30 p.m. U.K. time, would not take place.
The Met Office reported wind gusts exceeding 90 mph in certain areas of Wales, indicating the seriousness of the weather event. In a statement, they advised that Storm Darragh would bring strong winds and ongoing rain, urging caution for those traveling.
While the Merseyside derby was called off, four other Premier League matches continued as originally planned. Manchester United is set to host Nottingham Forest at 5:30 p.m. local time, roughly 30 miles east of Liverpool, with the club announcing they would monitor the situation closely for any changes.
In Birmingham, Aston Villa encouraged fans attending their match against Southampton to allow for extra travel time due to the adverse weather conditions. Similarly, Brentford and Crystal Palace confirmed their games would move forward, advising supporters to plan accordingly and prioritize safety.
Meteorologist Steve Willington from the Met Office noted that the storm’s effects would begin to diminish later in the day as it moved across the UK. Both Everton and Liverpool released similar statements regarding the postponement, emphasizing safety concerns due to hazardous wind conditions that remain a risk in the area.
The Premier League has confirmed that details about rescheduling the postponed fixture will be announced soon.
This postponement reflects the proper prioritization of player and spectator safety amidst unpredictable weather. Football fans are encouraged to stay informed and prepared during such conditions while looking forward to future matches when the weather improves.