STORM DARRAGH is causing chaos among the footballing leagues – forcing Liverpool and Everton to release joint statements ahead of their Merseyside derby.
Two Championship matches have already been postponed.
Wayne Rooney’s struggling Plymouth side will not be able to face Oxford United on Saturday afternoon.
And Watford’s thrilling away fixture against Cardiff has now been called off too.
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Find out about all of the latest postponements through our live blog below…
Liverpool and Everton joint statement
Liverpool and Everton have released a joint statement amid fears Storm Darragh could curtail Saturday’s derby.
The Merseyside rivals spoke out to offer advice to fans – as the region braces itself for winds of up to 80mph.
Both statements read: “Supporters attending Saturday’s Merseyside derby at Goodison Park are advised to allow extra time for travel, and to remain alert to Met Office weather warnings.
“An amber severe wind warning has been issued by the Met Office for Merseyside from 1am on Saturday morning, with wind gusts of 60mph to 70mph likely.
“That warning for wind is expected to remain in place until 6am on Sunday.
“Given the weather warning, fans are advised to allow extra time for their journey and to take extra care.
“Fans are also advised to keep a close eye on travel and weather guidance in their area to assist with travel planning for Saturday’s Premier League fixture.”
Sunday and Monday Prem fixtures
- Fulham vs Arsenal
- Ipswich vs Bournemouth
- Leicester vs Brighton
- Tottenham vs Chelsea
Monday, December 9
- West Ham vs Wolves
Saturday Prem fixtures
Premier League fans will be praying that Storm Darragh doesn’t postpone their matches.
Here is the games that are happening on Saturday.
- Everton vs Liverpool
- Aston Villa vs Southampton
- Brentford vs Newcastle
- Crystal Palace vs Manchester City
- Manchester United vs Nottingham Forest
Everton vs Liverpool in jeopardy
Liverpool will be looking to bounceback from their draw against Newcastle with a win over Everton – but the weather might have other plans.
The Reds dropped two points against the Toon courtesy of Fabian Schar’s 90th minute strike.
While Everton thrashed Wolves midweek meaning their tails will be up.
But there has been reports that the final ever Merseyside Derby at this Goodison Park is under threat due to Storm Darragh
Storm Bert
The last storm to cause chaos among the EFL was Storm Bert
Storm Bert caused chaos in the EFL as a number of matches were called off due to heavy snow and rain battering the UK.
The League Two clash between Bradford and Accrington Stanley was first to get called off.
It was revealed at 10:30am that there would be a pitch inspection and just 20 minutes later the game was postponed.
Salford’s clash against Bromley was called off just an hour before kick-off.
Meanwhile, Portsmouth supporters had already begun the 270-mile journey up to Blackburn for their Championship clash when it was officially called out.
Not so well
Steve Sidwell was a do-anything midfielder for Fulham and Brighton.
But even he must have been surprised when he nearly added Mary Poppins to his repertoire.
The Amazon Prime pundit was at Craven Cottage to see Fulham blow away the Seagulls 3-1, mainly thanks to an Alex Iwobi double.
But Storm Darragh nearly did the same to the ex-Aston Villa ace.
And when a huge gust flung his umbrella up – with Sidwell struggling to hold on and not go the same way – viewers reckon he almost emulated the super-power of the movie world’s most famous flying nanny.
One fan posted: “Stevie Sidwell loses his brolly – nearly did a Mary Poppins down the river Thames!”
Emptiness
Storm Darragh continues to reign its terror, leaving a lot of the pitches in the UK looking like the one below.
Credit: PA Torquay vs Horsham POSTPONED
Another one bites the dust with Torquay’s Trophy game against Horsham now postponed.
The club statement said: “With South Devon bracing itself for the arrival of Storm Darragh this weekend, and following consultation with both the Safety Advisory Group and Horsham FC, Saturday’s Isuzu FA Trophy tie at Plainmoor has been postponed.
“Although the hard work of our ground staff had given the pitch every chance of remaining playable, the prospect of winds of up to 80mph hitting the area has provided serious cause for concern, especially for those making the journey down from West Sussex.
“With the safety of both sets of players, supporters and officials remaining everyone’s number one priority, the decision has been made to postpone this game, with the match now taking place on Tuesday 10th December instead (7.45pm KO).
“Supporters are advised that all tickets purchased for Saturday’s fixture will remain valid for the rearranged date.
Blessing in disguise for Rooney
Storm Darragh may have kept Wayne Rooney in a job at Plymouth for a little while longer.
Wayne Rooney’s struggling Plymouth will not face Oxford United tomorrow due to the 90mph wind speed.
The Man Utd legend was reported to have two games left to save himself from the sack, although this was refuted by the Pilgrims’ chairman.
It came after a week in which his side got thrashed 6-1 by Norwich and then 4-0 by Bristol City, leaving them just outside the relegation zone.
And another loss tomorrow could have potentially saw Rooney get the sack despite the Pilgrims’ chairman quotes
What other matches could be affected?
Other games in the area that could be hit by the weather include Bristol Rovers vs Bolton in League One, and Yeovil Town’s FA Trophy clash with Weymouth.
Meanwhile Haverfordwest County announced their Welsh Premier League clash with Briton Ferry tonight was also postponed.
Red warnings are extremely rare, with today’s announcement just the 19th such warning since records begin in 2011.
The alert, issued on the Met Office website, warns of danger to life due to flying debris and falling trees.
Damage to buildings and homes, with roofs blown off and power lines brought down, are also expected – with power cuts potentially affecting other services including mobile coverage.
Brits are urged to avoid travelling and stay indoors if possible.
There is a 39-hour yellow wind warning for the whole of England, Wales and Northern Ireland, and much of Scotland, until 6am on Sunday.
Storm Darragh statement
Storm Darragh is sweeping across the Atlantic with the Met Office issuing a rare red ‘danger to life’ warning across parts of Wales, Bristol and north Somerset.
The FAW said in a statement: “The Met Office has issued red, amber, and yellow weather warnings for the vast majority of Wales due to Storm Darragh, which is expected to bring damaging winds and heavy rain, causing significant disruption and danger to life.
“It is not safe to drive in such weather, including travelling to and from football matches. Being outside in high winds increases the risk of injury and The Met Office advises people to stay indoors if possible.
“Clubs have been advised to check for and secure any loose items around their grounds if it can be done safely. This includes bins, furniture, goalposts, and fences etc.
“Potential postponements of fixtures on Friday 6 December and Sunday 8 December will be considered on a case-by-case basis, in line with each individual league’s policy.”
Newport County vs Carlisle United POSTPONED
Newport’s huge fixture against Carlisle is the next match that has been scratched off the list.
A statement read: “The decision comes due to the severe weather conditions forecasted for tomorrow, with an Amber warning for rain and winds extending beyond the Red warning, which is in place tomorrow.
These factors, combined with concerns over fan travel, the ability of emergency services to respond to potential incidents, and possible structural impacts, have led to the postponement.
The safety of travelling fans, staff, players, and officials is the top priority, and this is considered the best decision given the circumstances.
A new date for the rearranged fixture will be announced in due course.”
Cardiff vs Watford POSTPONED
Cardiff have now confirmed they will not face the Hornets “in the interest of supporter safety” after receiving advice from the Met Office.
A statement on Cardiff’s website read: A new date for this fixture will be confirmed in due course.
All match tickets purchased for this game will remain valid for the rearranged date. Season Tickets will also remain valid for the re-arranged fixture.
If you have purchased a match ticket for this fixture, please wait for the re-arranged date to be confirmed, after which point if you still require a refund, please email tickets@cardiffcityfc.co.uk with proof of purchase and a member of the team will contact you at the earliest opportunity.
Plymouth vs Oxford United POSTPONED
The first major match to get called off was Wayne Rooney’s struggling Plymouth vs Oxford.
The Man Utd legend was reported to have two games left to save himself from the sack, although this was refuted by the Pilgrims’ chairman.
It came after a week in which his side got thrashed 6-1 by Norwich and then 4-0 by Bristol City, leaving them just outside the relegation zone.
Storm Darragh is terrorising football
Good afternoon football lovers!
This is not a blog I would like to be doing as a football lover myself, but Storm Darragh is unfortunately ripping through the country.
And as a result, several football matches have been called off.
Including TWO matches from the Championshp and one involves Wayne Rooney’s Plymouth.
Keep scrolling to find out about all of the postponed fixutres due to Storm Darragh.
Source: Soccer - thesun.co.uk
