Liverpool match with Man United to go ahead despite snow issues

An amber weather warning was in place, covering Merseyside and Cheshire

Author: Seb CheerPublished 5th Jan 2025
Last updated 5th Jan 2025

Liverpool FC have confirmed that Manchester United's visit to Anfield this afternoon will go ahead as planned.

Two safety meetings have been held, following heavy snow, to assess weather and travel conditons.

A statement added: "We thank everyone involved in helping us to get this game on today.

"If you’re travelling to Anfield then please take extra care. We look forward to seeing you there."

Airport disruption easing

The runway at Liverpool John Lennon Airport has re-opened, following disruption caused by heavy snow.

It was temporarily closed soon before 6am, but flights could re-start from 10.15am.

Officials advised passengers to check with their airline for updates, because of delays to flights.

A safety group in Liverpool is going to meet again at midday, to discuss whether Liverpool FC's home game against Manchester United can go ahead.

Officials say a decision is not yet being made, as weather conditions may change.

'Do not travel' warnings

Transpennine Express issued a "do not travel" warning, urging passengers not to travel on its rail routes between Manchester Airport, Yorkshire and Newcastle, which may impact services from Liverpool across the Pennines.

"This is due to no bus replacement services being able to run for the planned engineering work due to the heavy snowfall which is severely impacting roads and has led to the suspension of bus operations across the Pennines and North West," the operator added.

Officials said the line between Leeds and Manchester is blocked, and delays are likely across the whole network.

Northern Rail also urged passengers not to travel.

No Avanti services are running from Liverpool Lime Street, because of an issue between the station and depot.

Merseyrail services have been disrupted during the morning but are now resolving.

Roads have also faced disruption.

Manchester Airport's runways have now re-opened, but disruption is still likely

Manchester Airport's runways were also closed earlier. Hits Radio reporter Rosa Bown was there, trying to go on holiday.

She said: "We lined up for boarding at about ten-to, then there was an announcement over the tannoy saying we wouldn't be taking off for an hour.

"We sat down, then we were told to line up for boarding in three to five minutes.

"After standing in the queue for about two minutes, there was another announcement saying the airport was closed until 9am.

"There was a big groan from people in the boarding queue when we heard we weren't going to be going anywhere until 9am."

First for all the latest news from across the UK every hour on Hits Radio on DAB, at hitsradio.co.uk and on the Rayo app.

Rayo PremiumRayo Premium

Sarah-Jane Crawford

Hits Radio (Liverpool)