Liverpool's Premier League game against Brighton could be at risk of postponement due to Storm Boelo, which is expected to bring winds of up to 80mph to Merseyside
A general view of Anfield ahead of the UEFA Champions League Matchday 3 of 8 match between Liverpool and Villarreal in Liverpool, United Kingdom, on October 20, 2026. (Photo by Alfie Cosgrove/News Images/NurPhoto via Getty Images)
Liverpool's game at Brighton could be at risk of being postponed(Image: Getty Images)
Officials will try to avoid a late decision on whether Liverpool’s game against Brighton will go ahead amid Storm Boelo.
The Reds are scheduled to take on the high-flying Seagulls in the Premier League at Anfield on Sunday (2 p.m. UK time, 10 a.m. ET and 7 a.m. PT in the US), but the game has been thrown into doubt as storms sweep across the UK.
Storm Austen has already battered the country, with Storm Boelo arriving on Saturday, bringing with it strong winds and heavy rain which has already led to the cancellation of a number of social events on Merseyside.
The Met Office has issued a yellow weather warning for much of the north of England, including Liverpool, from midday on Saturday until 9pm on Sunday, with gusts of up to 80mph expected in some areas of the country. There are also amber warnings in place in Scotland and Northern Ireland, as well as parts of the north of England.
The current warning effecting the Merseyside area states that “injuries and danger to life from flying debris are possible”, while road, rail, air and ferry services may be affected, which could affect Brighton fans traveling from the south.
REDCAR, UNITED KINGDOM - JANUARY 13: Huge waves crash over the lighthouse at an area known as South Gare on January 13, 2017 in Redcar, United Kingdom. The Met Office has issued a yellow be aware warning for much of the UK, as snow, ice and winds are expected to cause disruption until late on Friday. It comes amid severe flood warnings issued along the eastern coast of England, as it braces for a storm surge. (Photo by Ian Forsyth/Getty Images)
The UK is being battered by Storm Austen and Storm Boelo(Image: Getty Images)
As things stand, the game is expected to go ahead, although the local Safety Advisory Group may have to decide whether to postpone it. The group includes officials from both clubs, as well as representatives from Merseyside Police and Liverpool City Council.
Former PGMOL chief Keith Hackett has given some insight into the decision-making process, telling Football Insider: "The elite level will liaise with the police and the media so that if the game is unable to go ahead spectators will be informed.
"The club will not want food waste and will have to advise all catering staff and security staff etc. A lot of people are involved. The police will be aware of all the travel arrangements of teams and spectators.
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"This is where the referee earns his money. He will be in the city over night with club officials. Everyone will want to avoid a late call off with spectators in the vicinity of the ground."
Postponements are generally rare in the Premier League, although Liverpool has seen another of its high-profile games called off in recent years due to adverse weather conditions.
The Merseyside derby against Everton at Goodison Park had to be postponed around four hours before kick-off during the 2024/25 season due to Storm Darragh. The game was moved from December 7 to February 12 as a result.