Merseyside Derby Postponed Due to Storm Darragh
The highly anticipated Merseyside derby between Everton and Liverpool, scheduled to take place at Goodison Park, has been postponed due to safety concerns stemming from the severe weather conditions brought on by Storm Darragh.
Severe Weather Warnings Issued
On Saturday morning, an amber weather alert was issued for the Merseyside area as strong winds wreaked havoc across various parts of the UK. Following discussions involving representatives from both clubs, Merseyside Police, and Liverpool City Council, it was decided that postponing the match was necessary.
In a statement released by Everton FC, they expressed understanding of fans’ disappointment but emphasized that “the safety of supporters, staff, and players is our top priority.” Similarly, Liverpool FC noted that the decision stemmed from “safety risks in the surrounding area.”
Significance of This Match
Originally set to kick off at 12:30 GMT, this match held particular significance as it would be one of the last league derbies hosted at Goodison Park before Everton transitions to their new stadium in 2025. Currently leading the Premier League table by seven points over Chelsea and Arsenal—who are both scheduled for matches on Sunday against Tottenham and Fulham respectively—Liverpool’s position remains strong. Meanwhile, Sean Dyche’s Everton sits precariously in 15th place in the league standings with only a five-point cushion above relegation.
Community Support Amidst Adversity
Following news of the postponement, Everton announced their commitment to community support by donating food items intended for matchday consumption to local food banks and charitable organizations throughout Liverpool. Prepared items included pies and sausage rolls meant for an expected crowd of around 40,000 fans.
As Storm Darragh continues its impact across regions like Wales and south-west England—with authorities advising residents to remain indoors—forecasters have predicted wind gusts reaching up to 90 mph in certain areas. The Met Office has even issued a red warning for parts of western and southern Wales where many homes are currently without power.
Other Matches Proceeding as Scheduled
Despite this disruption in Merseyside footballing events, all four other Premier League fixtures slated for Saturday will proceed as planned. These include three matches kicking off at 15:00 GMT: Aston Villa facing Southampton; Brentford taking on Newcastle; Crystal Palace competing against Manchester City; followed by Manchester United hosting Nottingham Forest later at 17:30 GMT.
Upcoming Fixtures Across Divisions
In addition to Premier League action:
- Championship Matches
– Cardiff City vs Watford
– Plymouth Argyle vs Oxford United
- League One Fixtures
– Blackpool vs Rotherham United
– Bristol Rovers vs Bolton Wanderers
– Crawley Town vs Stevenage
- League Two Games
– Barrow AFC vs Milton Keynes Dons
– Newport County vs Carlisle United
– Notts County vs Colchester United
Impact on Other Sporting Events
The adverse weather conditions have also led to cancellations beyond football. Race meetings scheduled at Chepstow, Aintree, and Wolverhampton have been called off due to safety concerns related to storm conditions. Sandown Park managed two successful inspections earlier Saturday but will continue monitoring before proceeding with events related to their Tingle Creek Festival.
Additionally, a Premiership Women’s Rugby match between Bristol Bears and Exeter Chiefs set for Ashton Gate has also faced postponement due directly attributed storm-related issues affecting travel safety.
As communities brace themselves against Storm Darragh’s fury while sporting events adapt accordingly amidst these challenges—the focus remains firmly on ensuring everyone’s well-being during these turbulent times.
Student at Government College of Engineering Kolkata and an enthusiastic Journalist. Follows Topics such as Indian Politics, Gaming, Anime, etc. Click on the bell icon for more news and opinions from Srijan.