Liverpool’s highly anticipated Premier League match against Manchester United, scheduled for Sunday afternoon at Anfield, is in serious doubt due to adverse weather conditions. Snowfall overnight in the Liverpool area has prompted concerns about the safety of both fans and players, leading to an urgent meeting being called by Liverpool City Council’s Safety Advisory Group. Amber weather warnings for snow and freezing rain have been issued for both Liverpool and Manchester, and a final decision on whether the match will go ahead is yet to be made.
The Premier League clash, one of the most heated rivalries in English football, could be postponed if the weather conditions continue to worsen. The Safety Advisory Group is set to meet on Sunday morning to assess the situation and determine whether the fixture can be safely played. Reports indicate that Liverpool Airport has temporarily closed its runway, exacerbating travel disruptions, while there are concerns over the safety of supporters traveling by road.
This is not the first time weather has caused disruption to Liverpool’s fixtures this season. In December, the Merseyside derby against Everton was postponed due to Storm Darragh, which brought severe winds to much of the United Kingdom. The storm led to a red weather warning from the Met Office and forced the postponement of the match. The decision was made after a Safety Advisory Group meeting at Goodison Park, which included representatives from both clubs, Merseyside Police, and Liverpool City Council. The group concluded that the safety risks posed by the severe weather made it impossible to proceed with the match.
Now, with the match against Manchester United at risk of facing the same fate, Liverpool could be facing a second postponement in as many months. The timing of the decision is critical, as supporters will be traveling to Anfield on Sunday, and the group will need to consider the safety of their journeys. Additionally, the game is scheduled to finish around 6:30 pm, when further icy conditions are expected to cause additional travel disruption.
Liverpool, currently leading the Premier League table by five points over second-placed Arsenal, are in a strong position heading into the match. They have two games in hand, giving them an opportunity to extend their lead further. However, the uncertainty surrounding the fixture against Manchester United, who sit in 14th place, is a concern for the club, as it could disrupt their momentum in the title race.
The final decision on whether the match will take place will be made at the last possible moment, with the Safety Advisory Group waiting to assess the weather conditions and travel disruptions on Sunday morning. If the weather does not improve, it is likely that the match will be postponed, adding to the growing list of disrupted fixtures in the Premier League due to extreme weather events. The situation highlights the increasing challenges faced by football clubs and authorities in ensuring the safety of fans and players amid unpredictable weather patterns.
