EVERTON’S scheduled Premier League encounter against Birmingham City at Goodison Park was postponed yesterday morning because freezing temperatures left the stadium in an unfit condition for the match.
The club reported there were “several miles of frozen pipes, many of which burst during the course of Christmas Day night.”
A Blues official explained: “Our stadium and safety teams worked ‘round the clock but due to the rapidly deteriorating conditions – and in the interests of safety and hygiene we have reluctantly taken the decision to postpone the game.
“A new date for the fixture will be announced as soon as possible.”
Any supporters who bought a match ticket for the game should note that the ticket will be valid for the rearranged match.
Refunds will be accepted for any supporter unable to attend the rearranged match, although booking fees incurred at the time of purchase cannot be refunded.
Refunds will be processed within 28 days of receipt of the refund application and should be sent to The Refunds Department, The Everton Fan Centre, Goodison Road, Liverpool L4 4EL, and must be accompanied by the relevant unused ticket.
A raft of other matches fell victim to the Arctic conditions with games north and south of the border called off.
All yesterday’s race meetings were called off, with Kempton forced to abandon the second day of their festival fixture that should have included the William Hill King George VI Chase and the williamhill.com Christmas Hurdle.
ON the local non-League front, hopes of fans being warmed up by some tasty festive derby matches today, including Marine’s home clash with Burscough in the Evo-Stik League Premier Division and Bootle’s meeting with Formby in the Vodkat League Premier Division have been dashed by the severe wintry conditions.
Southport’s scheduled game with Barrow at Haig Avenue yesterday had been postponed on Christmas Eve. The Sandgrounders are due to play tomorrow at Fleetwood (3pm).
