Liverpool’s match against Manchester United is at risk of cancellation due to heavy snowfall, with a decision expected by midday. The Met Office issued amber weather warnings, similar to those before a recent canceled Merseyside derby. Liverpool City Council’s Safety Advisory Group will assess the situation, having already encountered significant snow around Anfield. Fans have expressed concerns for safety, urging postponement. Meanwhile, travel disruptions are extensive, including temporary runway closures at Liverpool John Lennon Airport. Previous severe weather led to the last Merseyside derby being canceled, intensifying concerns about this match’s viability amid current conditions.
Liverpool’s game against Manchester United is in jeopardy after heavy snowfall overnight, and a decision on whether to call it off is expected to be considered by midday.
The Met Office has issued amber weather warnings for Liverpool and Manchester, the same level as those issued ahead of the canceled Merseyside derby in December.
Liverpool City Council’s Safety Advisory Group will meet this morning to decide whether to cancel today’s 4.30pm match.
The on-site investigation was scheduled for around 9 a.m.
A yellow warning, while less serious than a red warning, indicates a potential threat to life and significant travel disruption.
Images on social media showed a layer of snow covering the ground in the streets around Anfield, with one fan claiming it looked “like Siberia”.
Liverpool vs. Manchester United at Anfield likely to be canceled due to snow, final decision to be taken at 11.45am
Streets around Anfield were pictured covered in a layer of snow before the collision
Liverpool City Council’s Safety Advisory Group will meet to decide whether the match should be called off.
Liverpool Football Club wrote in X at 9:31am: “A safety meeting was held this morning to assess the weather and travel situation for today’s match against Manchester United at Anfield.”
“At this stage, the match is scheduled to proceed as normal and every effort is being made to get the match underway. “There will be another safety meeting at noon to assess the latest situation. We will update our supporters soon. Please pay close attention, Reds.
The Japan Meteorological Agency’s weather forecast for the northwest that day was headlined “Heavy snow causing chaos.”
It said: “Snow is expected to fall in the north and across the Pennines, with heavy snow possible in places from mid-morning to early afternoon.” Rain will turn to rain in southern areas, with the possibility of freezing rain for some. The snow will ease tonight. Maximum temperature 2℃. ”
Tuggy’s Bar, a Liverpool FC-themed store near the stadium, wrote on Instagram: “We’ve got up to 2 inches of snow in some places.” It’s raining a little bit, but it’s so cold that the snow won’t disappear. My money is on postponement. I was told to meet at 9 o’clock. ”
Liverpool City Council’s Gritters have already been out on several occasions in the past 24 hours to strengthen road safety for traveling supporters.
On Sunday morning, the runway at Liverpool John Lennon Airport was temporarily closed due to the situation. Roads in the northwest are also closed due to snow and collisions.
Meanwhile, Chesterfield’s game against Gillingham, about 130 miles away at SMH Group Stadium, was called off following an early morning pitch inspection.
Pitch inspections underway after overnight heavy snow left Liverpool looking like ‘Siberia’
Some Manchester United fans have taken to social media to plead for the game to be called off, as their frenetic form is likely to put the game at a disadvantage.
“Safety first. That’s my motto. It’s better to be safe than sorry. That’s different. If there’s any concern for the health of the people involved, which is obvious, it’s best to postpone.” Or you can cancel it completely. Share the point: Everyone is happy. And most importantly, everyone is safe,” a prominent United fan wrote on Blue Sky.
“Honestly, it feels like Siberia this morning. You could lose a limb to frostbite. Stop this madness now.”
“Void and void the league?” another joked.
Fan channel United Stand On X wrote: “Worst snow I’ve ever seen, dangerous conditions, cancelled.”
In December, Liverpool’s match against Everton was called off just four hours before kick-off due to disruption caused by Storm Dollar.
Storm Dollar wreaked havoc across the country with winds of up to 92 mph, causing travel disruption and damage and leaving thousands without power.
Liverpool said the delay was due to “bad weather and strong winds causing severe disruption to travel in and around Merseyside”.
The last Merseyside derby at Goodison Park was canceled due to storms in December.
Electric scooters littered the pavement outside Goodison Park, where Liverpool were scheduled to play Everton.
It is not yet clear when the last postponed Merseyside derby at Goodison Park will take place.
Arne Slott’s side have a game in hand as a result of the postponement, but they would like to avoid another game as they do not want the games to overlap in 2025.
After two games, Liverpool are five points behind Premier League leaders Arsenal.
Manchester United, on the other hand, sit in 14th place, having lost five of their last six league games.
More to come.
