Everton FC v Leeds United - Premier League
The Merseyside derby at Goodison Park has been postponed (Picture: Getty Images)
Weather warnings have been issued this weekend due to Storm Darragh and sporting events have been postponed as a result, most notably the Merseyside derby.
South West England and Wales are the worst hit areas of the UK, with a red warning of wind issued by the Met Office, predicting ‘significant disruption’.
Other areas have also been hit, though, as Liverpool and Everton issued a joint statement on Friday noting concern over the possible disruption and it has been confirmed on Saturday morning that the 12.30pm kick-off has been postponed.
The Football Association of Wales issued a statement on Friday confirming that all games in the country are off on Saturday.
This means Cardiff’s clash with Watford and Newport hosting Carlisle will not take place on Saturday.
Plymouth’s Championship meeting with Oxford at Home Park is also off after advice from the local Safety Advisory Group.
Premier League and EFL games called off
Premier League
Everton vs Liverpool
Championship
Cardiff vs Watford
Plymouth vs Oxford
League Two
Newport vs Carlisle
Met Office Issues Rare Red Weather Warning For Wales
Wales and South West England are the worst hit areas (Picture: Getty Images)
An Everton statement on Saturday morning read: ‘Everton’s Premier League fixture against Liverpool, scheduled for 12.30pm (GMT) today, Saturday 7 December 7, 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.’
Manchester United FC v Everton FC - Premier League
Sean Dyche’s team will not be hosting Liverpool on Saturday (Picture: Getty Images)
Elsewhere in sport there have been cancellations in horse racing at Aintree and Chepstow after morning inspections.
Jon Pullin, Aintree’s joint-clerk of the course, said, via Racing Post: ‘We arrived at around 5.30am and it was calm then, but it picked up very quickly soon after then and it became obvious that we couldn’t race.
‘Our main concern was about the wings of fences and the safety of people and we’d already started to see significant movement on the likes of wings of fences. It’s obviously disappointing not to race, but it was a clear decision.’
The Welsh Rugby Union has also called off all matches in Wales on Saturday at all age levels.
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