Police Involved In Postponement

Last updated : 13 February 2014 By Tott Dixon - Seaham

Earlier on Wednesday the Met Office issued red warnings - the highest possible - for parts of Wales and north west England in the evening.

City were preparing to welcome Sunderland to the Etihad Stadium but, with just over one hour before the scheduled 19-45 kick-off, the club announced the fixture would not go ahead.

A club statement read: "Manchester City can confirm that this evening's fixture versus Sunderland has been postponed due to exceptional and escalating weather conditions.

"The safety of those in around and travelling to the stadium complex cannot be guaranteed. This decision has been made by the Safety Officer and Greater Manchester Police.

"Both managers and the match officials understand and support this decision.

"The decision to postpone the City game was made by the stadium's safety officer in conjunction with police.

"A number of issues around the stadium as the wind increased in the hours leading to kick-off made the area unsafe.

"An unused programme booth blew over and part of a wall was also damaged."

Everton's home meeting with Crystal Palace was next to go, with the Merseyside club citing "building damage" around Goodison Park as the deciding factor.