CORK CITY’S stadium has been struck by Hurricane Ophelia as their Turner’s Cross home was left demolished by the deadly storm.
Footage has emerged of ferocious winds inflicting damage to the stands that caused one of the roof’s to collapse.
John Caulfield’s side were due to face Derry tonight at 7:20pm, needing just a draw to win the league title.
The game was rescheduled for tomorrow evening due to the storm that is causing carnage throughout Ireland today – causing the death of at least one person already.
However, there has clearly been significant damage done to the ground already this afternoon.
A Cork City spokesman said: “There has been some structural damage to a roof but until it’s safe to go in and assess that, we can’t confirm the extent of anything.”
Before these latest developments at the hands of Ophelia, Derry City boss Kenny Shiels called for the game to be played next week with fears for the safety of his players.
He told BBC Radio Foyle: “We have a duty of care to the families. I have taken young players out of school to come down and play for Derry City in a very important game.
MOST READ IN FOOTBALL
“But the importance of the game is superseded with the safety of these young people. It’s important we look after them and put their duty of care before everything.
“There is a distinct possibility and the way I’m thinking about it at the moment is I can’t say it for definite. I have to put my players’ safety and health before everything.
“I don’t think it’s fair to be stuck down here for two and a half days preparing for a game when we can’t go out the hotel door.
“I don’t think it’s fair on Dundalk Football Club for example. From that perspective, I have to make a decision on that. We can’t really travel either. That’s the problem. We’re stuck in the middle of this.
“It’s been very demanding on everybody. We’re sitting looking at each other not knowing what to do and psychologically the players are a little bit shocked at having to be here.”
Meanwhile, 10km outside Cork City, Ophelia has been wreaking havoc at Passage West GAA Club’s home ground.
BET £10 GET A FREE £30 BET WITH SUN BETS
The summer transfer window was one the craziest we have ever seen.
Take a look at the most profitable transfers of ALL time.
And here are the Premier League players whose wages made them the most expensive per minute played.
Leave a comment