Manchester City manager Manuel Pellegrini has admitted that the safety of supporters of his side and Sunderland was more important than playing their Premier League clash.

Great Manchester Police postponed the game an hour before kickoff due to heavy winds in the areas surrounding the Etihad Stadium.

"The safety of the City and Sunderland supporters is the most important thing and we understand and fully support the reasons behind the game being called off," Pellegrini told the club's official website.

"We were ready to play this game but the well-being of the people coming to the Etihad is paramount. We hope everybody gets home safely, both in Manchester and Sunderland."

City are third in the Premier League after 25 games this season, three points behind leaders Chelsea.