Wayne Rooney’s Plymouth Argyle are among clubs to have confirmed their matches have been postponed this weekend due to Storm Darragh, which is expected to bring destructive winds and heavy rain.
Rooney had been expected to lead his side against Oxford United on Saturday, but the clash has been postponed with the club citing the decision being in the ‘best interests of supporter safety’.
‘Having consulted with key stakeholders and the Safety Advisory Group, we have been strongly recommended by the latter to postpone tomorrow’s Sky Bet Championship fixture against Oxford United, so it has therefore been postponed,’ a Plymouth statement read.
‘Severe Amber weather warnings are currently in place for various regions around the country, including the South West, with high winds of up to 70mph and heavy rain expected. Red weather warnings have also been issued in key supporter travel areas which will cause a significant risk to those coming from outside the city, including away fans.
‘This decision has been made early to avoid lengthy travel to Plymouth in difficult weather conditions and also in the best interests of supporter safety, as we would never put the safety of fans, staff or players at risk.
‘There is a real danger of flying debris and potential falling trees which could cause danger to life, with damage to buildings and homes also a real possibility. Roads, bridges and railway lines could also close, and the stadium and surrounding area may be hit by power cuts.’
Wayne Rooney’s Plymouth have seen their match called off on Saturday due to Storm Darragh
Plymouth had been due to host Oxford United in the Championship on Saturday
Plymouth’s match against Oxford United is the second Championship fixture to be called off due to Storm Darragh, along with Cardiff’s clash against Watford.
The Football Association of Wales had announced all matches in the country had been postponed as a result of Storm Darragh.
In a statement, the body confirmed that it had taken the extraordinary measure after advice from the Met Office, which has issued rare red weather warnings in the country.
Storm Darragh is sweeping in across the Atlantic, bringing with it 90mph winds and torrential downpours set to spark flooding and travel chaos in parts of Britain.
‘The Met Office has issued red, amber, and yellow weather warnings for the vast majority of Wales due to Storm Darragh, which is expected to bring damaging winds and heavy rain, causing significant disruption and danger to life,’ the statement from the FAW began.
‘It is not safe to drive in such weather, including travelling to and from football matches. Being outside in high winds increases the risk of injury and The Met Office advises people to stay indoors if possible.
‘Clubs have been advised to check for and secure any loose items around their grounds if it can be done safely. This includes bins, furniture, goalposts, and fences etc.
‘Potential postponements of fixtures on Friday 6 December and Sunday 8 December will be considered on a case-by-case basis, in line with each individual league’s policy.’
All football matches in Wales on Saturday have been postponed due to Storm Darragh, which is expected to bring destructive winds and heavy rain
The Met Office has issued an 18-hour amber wind warning along the UK’s west coast from South Ayrshire down to Cornwall (pictured) , as well as in Northern Ireland, will run on Saturday from 3am to 9pm.
Meteorologists said a period of ‘extremely strong winds’ will develop during the early hours of Saturday morning as the low pressure system moves across the Irish Sea.
The ‘significant disruption’ warning from 3am until 11am covers most of the coast of Wales including Cardiff and Swansea, as well as parts of Bristol and North Somerset.
That could mean that various Football League and non-league fixtures could also be affected, though at this point there has been announcement from the FA.
Championship side Bristol City welcome QPR to Ashton Gate in the early fixture on Saturday, while in the National League Yeovil Town are set to entertain Braintree Town at 3pm.
Forecasters told residents to ‘stay indoors if you can’ and ‘avoid travelling by road during potentially dangerous conditions – it is not safe to drive in these conditions’.
Homeowners were urged to secure loose items outside their properties such as Christmas decorations, bins, garden furniture, trampolines, tents, sheds and fences.
The red alert, issued just after 10am on Friday, also urged people to ‘consider gathering torches and batteries, a mobile phone power pack and other essential items’.
Red warnings are a rare event, with the last one issued by the Met Office just under a year ago on January 21, 2024 for 99mph Storm Isha – and Friday is only the 19th time in records dating back to 2011 that a red warning has been imposed.
The Met Office has also issued a 39-hour yellow wind warning for the whole of England, Wales and Northern Ireland and much of Scotland, from 3pm today until 6am on Sunday.
And an 18-hour amber wind warning along the UK’s west coast from South Ayrshire down to Cornwall, as well as in Northern Ireland, will run on Saturday from 3am to 9pm.
