THREE afternoon EFL matches have been postponed as cold weather wreaks havoc.
But Liverpool’s home clash with Manchester United WILL GO as planned.
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Three EFL matches abandoned due to heavy snow and threat of freezing rainCredit: X @ftfc
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Fleetwood’s Highbury stadium under cover after snow stormCredit: X @AFCWimbledon
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Liverpool vs Manchester United to be played as planned Credit: Reuters
Chesterfield were due to host Gillingham in League Two at 3pm.
And in the same division, Fleetwood were scheduled to play promotion-chasing AFC Wimbledon.
However, heavy snow storms and poor weather conditions meant both games had to be abandoned this morning before a late call was also made to cancel Newport v Morecambe.
Fleetwood, in the north-west, is under a yellow weather warning for snow and ice.
But it was even more serious in Chesterfield with the same warning – plus an additional amber warning for snow.
Freezing rain is also expected during sub-zero temperatures, which will give the authorities additional headaches.
Therefore, early on Sunday morning, decisions were made to cancel the two matches.
Fleetwood issued a statement confirming the postponement – along with pictures of the snow-covered Highbury pitch.
SOCCER FREE BETTING AND REGISTRATION
Cod Army wrote: “Due to the suitability of the pitch and surrounding area due to heavy snowfall on the Fylde coast overnight Saturday into Sunday morning a call was made in consultation with the EFL and PGMOL.
“The new date will be communicated to supporters as soon as practicable and match tickets will remain valid for the rescheduled match.”
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Chesterfield also had to tell fans the game was called off following a pitch inspection at 7.45am amid heavy snowfall and concerns for the safety of fans traveling to the stadium.
Newport took until 12:25 to post six relegation points after a 12:00 pitch inspection.
The referee deemed “small areas of the pitch to be unplayable despite the best efforts of the pitch staff to allow play to continue”.
As things stand, the other two EFL games today – Crewe v Bromley in League Two plus Sunderland v Portsmouth in the Championship – are still on.
And the eagerly awaited Premier League blockbuster between Liverpool and Manchester United at Anfield got the green light.
Liverpool City Council’s Ground Safety Advisory Group met at 9am and then again at 11.45am to discuss whether the match could go ahead.
At the last meeting, it was decided that the match could continue as scheduled.
RELIEF OF THE REDS
Liverpool tweeted at 11.56am: “Today’s game against Manchester United will go ahead as planned.
“Earlier, two safety meetings were held to assess weather and travel conditions.
“We thank everyone who helped us play this game today.
“If you are traveling to Anfield, be extra careful.
“We look forward to seeing you there.”
Had this afternoon’s clash been called off, it would have been Liverpool’s second game this season to fall victim to the weather.
Their Merseyside derby with Everton at Goodison Park was abandoned in December due to Storm Darragh and has yet to be rescheduled.
There were then fears that the Boxing Day clash with Leicester might have to be called off as thick fog hit the north-west.
However, that match was given the go-ahead – although the conditions made it difficult for fans watching on TV to watch.
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Parts of the pitch at Anfield were covered in snow on Sunday morningCredit: Sky Sports News
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The biggest concern was the safety of fans traveling to and from the game. Credit: AFP
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The first security meeting was held at 9am before the second at 11.45am Credit: AFP
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Newport’s match was canceled by the referee after a failed inspection of the field Credits: X @NewportCounty
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Weather chaos has hit large parts of the North West including LiverpoolCredit: PA
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Main roads in Yorkshire had to be cleared with snow plows Credit: Alamy
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