Liverpool vs Man Utd under threat due to severe snow as last-gasp safety meeting held
Reach Daily Express January 05, 2025 09:39 PM

Liverpool City Council's Safety Advisory Group is set to hold a meeting to decide if the match between Liverpool and Manchester United can proceed.

There has been heavy snowfall in the Liverpool area from Saturday night into Sunday morning, with amber weather warnings for snow and freezing rain issued for both Liverpool and Manchester.

Amber warnings, which are more severe than yellow but not as serious as red, suggest a potential risk to life and significant travel disruption. The safety of fans travelling to Anfield for the 4.30pm kick-off on Sunday, especially United supporters making the journey from Manchester on icy roads, will be the primary concern for the Safety Advisory Group, who convene regularly when weather poses such issues.

Last month, the group had no choice but to postpone the Merseyside derby at Goodison Park after Storm Darragh hit the UK with winds up to 90mph. This postponement has given Liverpool an advantage in the Premier League title race, with the Reds now five points ahead of second-placed Arsenal having played two fewer games following the Gunners' 1-1 draw at Brighton on Saturday evening.

If Sunday's clash with United is postponed, it could cause further scheduling issues for Liverpool, with the short trip to Everton yet to be formally rearranged but tentatively set for next month. Despite heading into the game as league leaders, United are languishing in 14th place.

The Met Office predicts that snowfall in Liverpool will persist until at least 9am on Sunday morning before moving northwards and turning into sleet and rain. Given the freezing temperatures which are not expected to rise, road surfaces may freeze.

As of now, there is no indication that the match will be postponed, with both clubs still preparing for the 4.30pm kick-off which will be broadcast live on Sky Sports.

The Safety Advisory Group will make their decision until what they deem to be the last possible moment, also taking into account fans' journeys home from the match.

© Copyright @2025 LIDEA. All Rights Reserved.