Tsunami Alert Casts Doubt Over Liverpool’s Final Pre-Season Match in Japan

Liverpool’s final match of their Asia pre-season tour is facing unexpected uncertainty as a tsunami alert was issued near Fukushima, only a few hours before their schedule game against Yokohama F. Marino’s. The match scheduled for 11:30am BST at Nissan Stadium, agrees with Japan brace for potential disaster.

Authorities have advised people living within 30 kilometres of the Fukushima nuclear facility to either relocate or stay indoors, this brought back the memories of a devastating 2011 tsunami and nuclear crisis. The Tokyo Electric Power Company has already cleared all staff from the plant, and despite no abnormalities have been reported so far, the alert has disrupted transport routes, suspending some train services and creating heavy traffic in coastal regions.

However, Yokohama is more than 300km away from the ground zero, the emotional weight of the situation has being felt throughout the country. There is a careful expectation that the match will still go ahead, amid the tension, bringing a close to what has otherwise been a impactful tour for the Reds in Asia.

Liverpool FC and local authorities have yet to release a public statement, but fans and organizers are staying alert as the situation continues. The team is likely to field a rotated lineup, under new manager Arne Slot, providing match opportunities to the promising young players.

The unfavorable situation emphasize the instability international teams can face while on international duty. The support Liverpool, on one way or the other, has received in Japan has been remarkable. Regardless of the challenges, this tour has solidified the bond between the club and it’s Asian fanbase.