Changeable weather conditions on Merseyside have put Liverpool's Premier League clash with Manchester United at risk of being postponed on Sunday afternoon.
Liverpool had been scheduled to host their fierce rivals at 16:30 GMT, but a blast of treacherous winter conditions has called into question the safety of hosting the game at Anfield.
Airports in Liverpool and Manchester closed their runways due to heavy snow on Sunday morning. The Met Office issued an amber weather warning for snow, ice and freezing rain across the Merseyside area, which will remain in place until the end of the weekend.
According to The TimesLiverpool City Council's Ground Safety Advisory Group is scheduled to meet at 12pm to discuss whether the big Premier League clash will be allowed to go ahead as planned. The organizing body had already met at 9 am, but they were forced to delay their final decision.
As a white blanket of snow covered the roads leading to Anfield, Liverpool made an official statement. “At this stage, it is planned that the match will take place normally and all efforts are being made to continue the match”, declared the club. “A further security meeting will take place again at midday to assess the latest conditions.”
Liverpool already had the first The season's Merseyside derby is postponed due to adverse weather conditions and have yet to find room in their busy schedule to play that match at Goodison Park. While the Reds remain in four different competitions, providing a week off to contend with united in case of postponement it will also be difficult.