Man Utd issue statement over Nottingham Forest postponement amid Storm Darragh concerns
Storm Darragh has already led to match postponements elsewhere.
Manchester United’s Premier League game against Nottingham Forest is still scheduled to ahead as planned on Saturday evening with Storm Darragh causing havoc across the country.
The Met Office has predicted ‘significant disruption’ with South West England and Wales the worst hit areas in the UK.
Other areas have also been hit with the Merseyside derby between Everton and Liverpool postponed just hours before kick-off earlier this morning.
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United are set to host Forest at Old Trafford in this evening’s late kick-off at 5:30pm despite the disruption but remain in consultation with local authorities.
‘Today’s Premier League fixture at Old Trafford between Manchester United and Nottingham Forest is scheduled to go ahead as planned,’ a statement from the club said.
‘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.’
In addition to the Merseyside derby, six other matches across the Championship, League One and League Two have also been called off.
Everton vs Liverpool, a match with particular significance given it is the last derby to take place at Goodison Park before the Toffees move to their new stadium next year, was scheduled to kick-off at 12:30pm.
Explaining the decision to call the game off, Everton said in a statement: ‘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.’
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