Decision made on Everton’s FA Cup clash with Peterborough after safety threat amid extreme weather
THE FA Cup third round clash between Everton and Peterborough WILL take place as planned amid weather and travel concerns.
Officials met with relevant authorities at 1pm this afternoon to evaluate the conditions.
It was eventually decided the match will go ahead as scheduled, with fans urged to take extra care and time when travelling to Goodison Park.
A statement from Everton read: “Our third-round @EmiratesFACup tie with @theposh will go ahead as planned this evening (kick-off 7:45pm).
“A safety meeting was held this afternoon to assess the weather and travel conditions for fans attending the tie, which confirmed the game can go ahead.
“Everton Staff and a crew from @lpoolcouncil’s Streetscene Services team have been treating the roads and footpaths around the stadium since the morning to ensure they are as safe as possible for supporters accessing the stadium.
“Anyone attending Goodison Park is advised to prepare for the cold conditions, take care and to allow extra time that may be needed in travelling to the game, including being aware of any advice and weather warnings that may be in place in areas fans are travelling from.”
No further snow is currently forecast for the Merseyside area, but temperatures will barely be above freezing around the scheduled kick-off time of 7:45pm at Goodison Park.
Merseyside has been hit with a yellow weather warning for the sixth successive day amid freezing temperatures.
The game between Liverpool and Manchester United at Anfield on Sunday came close to being axed.
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Snow and ice have caused traffic chaos, school closures and rail cancellations in the area.
Manchester Airport’s runways were temporarily blocked off this morning and flights cancelled as five fresh warnings were issued across the UK.
Three motorways, the M56, M60 and M62, were also hit with hefty delays causing mayhem for commuters on Thursday.
A statement from Peterborough read: “Any supporters using the official coaches are advised to arrive as planned for a 1pm departure, all supporter coaches will departure as soon as we receive confirmation that the game will go ahead.”
The FA Cup match between Everton and Peterborough could see Ashley Young face his teenage son, Tyler, on the pitch.
Asked during an interview with talkSPORT which team the family will be supporting, Young Sr said: “Let’s put it this way… they’ve not got Everton shirts, so they’ve all gone and leaned towards Tyler’s side.
“I even think my own parents are actually leaning towards Tyler’s side as well. So I’m just out here cheering on myself.
“I’m just a lone wolf, that’s just me. But I get it.
“I understand it, but after the game they’ll be back on my side once we’ve won. So it’s all right.”