Although postponements of Premier League matches due to weather have been rare in recent seasons, football’s governing body has certain rules and regulations that clubs must follow. Several EFL and non-league matches have been affected by the bad weather over the past 24 hours, with the Met Office issuing a yellow weather alert for snow and ice, but no top-flight matches have been postponed so far.
Nevertheless, where weather poses a risk, clubs must follow strict protocols regarding contact with match officials and early inspection of the pitch. The responsibility for determining whether the pitch is safe and suitable for play rests with the match officials.
There are two main considerations that referees must have in mind when carrying out pitch inspections: player safety and the spectacle of the game. Referees must decide whether the conditions of play pose a threat to the health of the players and whether they detract from the match as a spectacle for supporters.
If there is any chance that the match will be adversely affected by the weather, clubs are advised to contact the match referee at least 48 hours before kick-off to warn them of the adverse weather conditions. In the top flight, pitch inspections are carried out early on match days to minimize the impact on traveling supporters and avoid unnecessary travel.
The referee will first speak to his home club’s head of ground staff, given that he is best placed to understand how the pitch will react in winter weather and whether there is any risk of the pitch deteriorating.
The umpires then perform a pitch inspection wearing match boots and thoroughly inspecting the playing surface using a match ball, checking every area possible to see if the surface reacts normally.
If there is a question on the pitch, the referee will discuss it with the grounds staff to see if there is a solution to the problem.
However, it is not always possible to predict weather conditions and temperatures during a match, so referees may have to abandon a match midway through. In that case, if the weather deteriorates during a match and referees are unable to guarantee the safety of players, or if they are concerned that the match is a spectacle, they will discuss this with the Premier League match manager.
They will also work directly with the Premier League Match Center to keep fans informed as quickly as possible through announcements on Premier League digital channels and major broadcasters.
It is also possible that a match may be postponed due to an issue completely beyond the referee’s control. It is often the case that ground safety officers are concerned about ensuring the safety of supporters on the ground, or that the Safety Advisory Group, on advice from the police, determines that conditions around or near the ground are dangerous.
A recent example is the postponement of the Merseyside derby between Everton and Liverpool, to be played on 7 December 2024. Everton said in a statement: “Following a Safety Advisory Group meeting at Goodison Park this morning attended by officials from both clubs, as well as representatives from Merseyside Police and Liverpool City Council, the following decisions were taken due to the risk to local safety posed by high winds and ferocious amber winds.” Today’s match should be postponed for safety reasons as the warning remains in effect until 06:00 on Sunday. ”
Postponement should never be taken lightly and is often a last resort.
