Goodison Park is set to host the Merseyside derby as Storm Darragh settles in
Goodison Park is set to host the Merseyside derby as Storm Darragh settles in
The Merseyside Derby is under threat as Storm Darragh continues to cause chaos across the UK - with Aintree having to cancel Saturday's meeting.
The Boylesports Becher Chase Day was due to go ahead on Saturday afternoon but the famous racecourse has confirmed in the early hours of the morning that they've had to postpone it due to the extreme weather.
Goodison Park is just three miles from Aintree and is scheduled to host its last-ever Premier League meeting between Everton and Liverpool. Currently there is no change to the original plan, with the Reds set to make the short trip to take on their local rivals.
The decision to stop the race day at Aintree has led to suggestions that the football could also fall foul of the elements, but the venues present very different risks for fans. Several matches up and down England have been postponed, but both Liverpool and Everton put out a joint statement urging their fans to take fan when travelling.
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Everton and Liverpool issue joint statement before Merseyside derby as Storm Darragh batters UK](https://www.mirror.co.uk/sport/football/news/merseysidederby-liverpool-everton-storm-darragh-34265821)
They said: “Supporters attending Saturday's Merseyside derby at Goodison Park are advised to allow extra time for travel and remain alert to Met Office weather warnings. An amber severe wind warning has been issued by the Met Office for Merseyside from 1am GMT on Saturday, with wind gusts of 60mph to 70mph likely. The 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 take extra care. Supporters are also advised to keep a close eye on travel and weather guidance in their area to assist with travel planning for the Premier League fixture (12.30pm kick-off).”
Aintee racecourse confirmed on Saturday, after keeping tabs on the changing conditions, that they were already seeing damage to the track and deemed it unsafe.
Aintree have had to abandon Saturday's meeting
Aintree have had to abandon Saturday's meeting ( Image: Paul Greenwood/REX/Shutterstock)
They said: "Unfortunately, The Boylesports Becher Chase Day has been abandoned following our morning inspection. We have continued to monitor conditions and the weather forecast throughout the night and into this morning, and we are already experiencing significant gusts of wind which are causing damage to the track infrastructure. The outlook for the day is for further significant winds, making it unsafe for racing."
The Welsh FA have announced that all matches in Wales have been postponed, Cardiff City's clash with Watford in the Championship was called off. Plymouth Argyle has also confirmed that their Championship match against Oxford United had been postponed.
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