英语文摘：Premier League games postponed due to snow this weekend

LONDON, Dec. 18 (Xinhua) -- Five out of nine Premier League matches this weekend were postponed due to heavy overnight snow in England.

According to the article on the Premier League website, first to go was Wigan Athletic v Aston Villa, quickly followed by Liverpool v Fulham, Birmingham City v Newcastle United and Arsenal v Stoke City - all on safety grounds. This was followed by Sunday's fixture between Chelsea and Manchester United.

Although the pitches were playable, the streets and stadium surrounds were deemed dangerous to fans travelling.

"Further to a huge deluge of snow in north London starting over Emirates Stadium at 11.38am, the match referee Lee Mason made the decision at 12.07pm to postpone today's match," said a statement on Arsenal's website.

"Approximately three inches of snow fell over this half hour period and there continues to be heavy snowfall with no apparent let up."

A statement on Chelsea's website read, "Sunday's game at Stamford Bridge has been postponed following consultation with the Police and the local authority."