Man Utd issue statement on Nottingham Forest clash as Storm Darragh forces Merseyside Derby and EFL games to be axed
MANCHESTER UNITED have issued an update about their match against Nottingham Forest.
The Red Devils are due to host Forest at Old Trafford in today’s 5:30pm game.
But as Storm Darragh batters the UK there have been fears it could be called off.
This morning the decision was also made to postpone the Merseyside Derby between Everton and Liverpool.
EFL clashes have become casualties of the storm this morning, with League One and Two seeing games called off after Championship matches at Cardiff and Plymouth were both postponed last night.
Notts County’s League Two match with Colchester was axed after high winds caused damage to the scoreboard, while Blackpool’s League One fixture against Rotherham was also abandoned.
However, Man Utd have declared that the game against Forest WILL go ahead as planned.
A club statement released on social media said: “Today’s Premier League fixture at Old Trafford between Manchester United and Nottingham Forest is scheduled to go ahead as planned.
“The club will continue to consult the relevant authorities throughout the day and will update supporters immediately if anything changes.”
The club also announced a small boost for season ticket holders, a week after the controversial call to raise all ticket prices to £66 regardless of age, which sparked fan protest.
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It continued: “We understand that fan travel will be disrupted by the weather so this fixture will not be included in the minimum number of games a season that season tickets must be used.”
Crystal Palace also announced that their own 3pm game against Manchester City would go ahead as planned, but asked fans to take care travelling to and from Selhurst Park.
Aston Villa, Southampton, Brentford and Newcastle all issued statements confirming their games would be going ahead as planned too.
Storm Darragh has caused severe delays to a number of services, including transport, with winds of up to 90mph.
An Everton statement on their postponed match with Liverpool said: “Everton’s Premier League fixture against Liverpool, scheduled for 12.30pm (GMT) today has been postponed.
“Following a Safety Advisory Group meeting at Goodison Park, attended by officials from both clubs, as well as representatives from Merseyside Police and Liverpool City Council this morning, it was decided that, due to the risk to safety in the local area due to strong wind gusts, and an amber severe wind warning that remains in place until 6am on Sunday, today’s fixture should be postponed on safety grounds.
“We apologise for the inconvenience caused and thank supporters for their understanding.
“Whilst we appreciate this will be deeply disappointing for supporters, the safety of fans, staff and players is of paramount importance.
“Information relating to a rearranged date for the fixture will be announced in due course.
“All tickets purchased for the original fixture will remain valid for the rearranged fixture.”