Everton vs Liverpool CALLED OFF due to safety fears as Storm Darragh KOs final Goodison derby and matches around UK
THE Merseyside Derby between Everton and Liverpool has been CALLED OFF due to dangerous weather.
But Manchester United’s clash with Nottingham Forest is tentatively slated to GO AHEAD.
Storm Darragh is wreaking havoc up and down the country, with several services being disrupted.
The storm led to the cancellation of two Championship games on Friday.
And it’s claimed this afternoon’s match between Everton and Liverpool at Goodison Park.
An Everton statement read: “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.”
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Fans of both teams were quick to react to the postponement.
One wrote on X: “Should of done it last night.”
Another said: “Weather can really throw a wrench in the plans, but safety comes first.”
And another said: “Safety comes first. Gutted though.”
One remarked: “Yeah fair enough.”
Another chimed in: “Wrong time to call it off – call it off at 10.30 and give it chance to calm down.
“Poor decision this because I bet it’s absolutely fine at 12.30.”
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The Reds’ trip to Goodison was set to be an historic one.
It would have been the final league Merseyside Derby at Goodison before Everton move into their new stadium at Bramley Moore Dock.
Given its proximity to Liverpool, there were fears that United’s clash with Forest at Old Trafford could also fall victim to Darragh.
But as it stands, the match – which is scheduled to get underway at 5:30pm – will GO AHEAD.
A United statement read: “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.
“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.”
Aston Villa, Brentford and Crystal Palace also issued statements confirming their respective matches against Southampton, Newcastle United and Manchester City will are expected to go ahead as scheduled.
Storm Darragh has so far claimed four fixtures this afternoon.
Watford’s and Plymouth’s respective Championship clashes Cardiff and Oxford United have been called off.
Bristol Rovers’ League One showdown with Bolton Wanderers has also been postponed.
And AFC Barrow, Newport and Notts County’s respective League Two clashes with MK Dons, Carlisle United and Colchester United have also fallen by the wayside.
Storm Darragh began battering the UK on Friday with winds of 92mph.
The Met Office quickly issued a stay at home order for millions of people with a red warning.
A red warning indicates serious danger to life.
The National Grid has revealed that Darragh has left a whopping 32,600 homes in the Midlands and the south west without electricity.