Manchester United have announced that their Premier League clash with Nottingham Forest at Old Trafford is set to go ahead tonight, despite widespread disruption caused by Storm Darragh.
The club stated that it is in continuous consultation with local authorities and will provide updates should the situation change.
The high winds, which have reached speeds of over 70mph, have already caused significant disruption across the country.
Most notably, the Merseyside derby between Everton and Liverpool, scheduled for this evening at Goodison Park, has been postponed due to safety concerns.
United reassured fans in a statement: “Today’s Premier League fixture at Old Trafford between Man Utd 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.”
Everton’s match against Liverpool, which was to be the final Merseyside derby at Goodison Park before their move to Bramley Moore Dock next season, was officially postponed after a Safety Advisory Group meeting this morning.
In a statement, Everton explained: “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.”
They added: “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.”
Storm Darragh has also caused significant disruption to the Football League schedule. In the Championship, Cardiff City’s game against Watford and Plymouth Argyle’s match with Oxford United were postponed.
League One’s Bristol Rovers vs Bolton Wanderers and League Two’s Newport County vs Carlisle United were also called off.
Additionally, all football and rugby matches in Wales have been cancelled, with further postponements expected nationwide.
