Two games OFF as heavy snow storms and sub-zero temperatures hit football fixtures with freezing rain to come
TWO of this afternoon’s EFL matches have been postponed as the freezing weather causes havoc.
Chesterfield were due to host Gillingham in League Two at 3pm.
And in the same division, Fleetwood planned to take on AFC Wimbledon.
However, the heavy snow storms and adverse weather meant both games had to be called off.
Fleetwood, in the North West, is under a yellow weather warning from the Met Office for snow and ice.
But it was even more severe in Chesterfield with the same warning – plus an additional amber warning for snow.
Freezing rain is also expected during the sub-zero temperatures, sparking further headaches for the authorities.
And therefore the decisions were made early on Sunday morning to cancel the two games.
Fleetwood put out a statement to confirm the postponement – along with pictures of the Highbury pitch covered in snow.
The Cod Army wrote: “Due to the fitness of the pitch and surrounding area due to heavy snowfall on the Fylde Coast during Saturday night into Sunday morning a call was made in consultation with the EFL and PGMOL.
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“A new date will be communicated with supporters as soon as practicable and tickets for the fixture will remain valid for the rearranged game.”
Chesterfield also had to tell fans their game was off following a 7.45am pitch inspection amid the heavy snowfall and safety concerns for fans travelling to the stadium.
As things stand, the other three EFL matches today – Crewe vs Bromley and Newport vs Morecambe in League Two plus Sunderland vs Portsmouth in the Championship – are still on.
As is the eagerly-anticipated Premier League blockbuster fixture between Liverpool and Manchester United at Anfield.
Liverpool City Council’s Ground Safety Advisory Group met at 9am to discuss whether the match could go ahead.
At that meeting, it was decided that as things stand the game was still on as scheduled.
But another safety briefing is set for noon to make a final decision.
Liverpool tweeted: “A safety meeting was held this morning to assess the weather and travel conditions for today’s fixture against Manchester United at Anfield.
“At this stage the match is planned to go ahead as normal and every effort is being made to get the game on.
“A further safety meeting will take place again at midday to assess the latest conditions.
“We will update supporters just as soon as we can. Please take extra care out there, Reds.”
Should this afternoon’s clash be cancelled, it would be the second Liverpool match of the season to fall victim of the weather.
Their Merseyside derby with Everton at Goodison Park was called off in December due to Storm Darragh and is yet to be rearranged.
Then there were fears that the Boxing Day clash with Leicester may have to be cancelled as heavy fog hit the North West.
However, that game got the green light – although the conditions made it difficult viewing for fans watching on TV.