Manchester City's Etihad Stadium
Manchester City's Etihad Stadium (Image: Richard Heathcote/Getty Images)
Storm Darragh has decimated the football fixture schedule this weekend with the Premier League's scheduled matches also impacted.
10 matches were due to be played across the weekend, however Storm Darragh has had other ideas. With winds clocked at over 90mph in some parts of the country and 'danger to life' warnings sent out, action has been forced upon Premier League and its member clubs' officials to ensure the safety of those attending - or who would have been attending - this weekend.
As things stand the Premier League itself and the clubs involved have been forced to release a combined eight statements in response to the havoc caused by the weather. Here, MEN Sport brings together every single update released so far.
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The Merseyside derby at Goodison Park has officially been postponed this morning with Everton, Liverpool and the Premier League all releasing statements.
All relayed the same message: "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."
Everton apologised for the inconvenience as their individual statement clarified that all tickets purchased by home supporters for the match will be valid for the rearranged fixture. Information on that will be released in due course.
Liverpool 'appreciate this will be deeply disappointing for supporters, but the safety of fans, staff and players is of paramount importance', as they confirmed their ticketing situation for away supporters will be announced in due course.
Finally, the Premier League confirmed that this weekend's Fantasy Premier League deadline would remain at 11am on Saturday, December 7, rather than move closer to the next set of scheduled matches.
Aston Villa vs Southampton - Saturday 7, 3pm
Currently Aston Villa vs Southampton is on track to take place as planned, with the home side posting to X: "Today’s Premier League match against Southampton WILL go ahead as planned."
Aston Villa had posted a message to supporters two hours prior, advising them to allow extra time to travel given the adverse weather conditions across the country.
Southampton relayed their opponents' message to their travelling fans, also writing to X: "Our hosts have confirmed today's match WILL go ahead at Villa Park. Please stay safe and take extra care if you're joining us in Birmingham."
Brentford vs Newcastle United - Saturday 7, 3pm
Brentford vs Newcastle United is also planning to go ahead after the hosts wrote to supporters of both teams.
Brentford said: "Today’s match is still scheduled to go ahead despite the bad weather. Please travel safely, plan ahead, and allow extra time for your journey."
For their own supporters, they additionally clarified: "Don’t worry if you can’t make it – we’ll factor the weather conditions into account under our Every Seat Counts policy but be sure to list your ticket on the exchange. Stay safe."
Crystal Palace vs Manchester City - Saturday 7, 3pm
Manchester City are travelling to London today to take on Crystal Palace. Again, this match looks all set to take place after the home side released the following statement at 11.16am:
"Today's fixture at Selhurst Park is scheduled to go ahead as planned. We advise all supporters to plan their journey in advance and take care travelling to and from the stadium," followed by a red love heart emoji and a blue love heart emoji.
With Liverpool not playing, Man City can put the pressure on by cutting the gap to just six points.
Manchester United vs Nottingham Forest - Saturday, 5.30pm
Manchester United are also playing today and were hoping to avoid the worst of the horrible conditions. That seems to be the case, with the Old Trafford club releasing a statement too at 10.55am.
Ahead of tonight's 5.30pm kick-off, it said: "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."
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