AFC Wimbledon’s Carabao Cup tie against Newcastle is to be moved to St James’ Park after the League Two side’s pitch was destroyed by flooding.
Photos inside the Cherry Red Records Stadium in south-west London on Monday showed a scene more like an extended sand trap than a football pitch after exceptional rainfall in the capital overnight.
The match, due to be played there on Tuesday night, was first postponed then relocated as the EFL said that the extent of flooding meant the game would be played almost 300 miles away in Newcastle on Tuesday 1 October.
“Following an agreement between both clubs and subsequent approval from the management committee of the competition, the fixture will now be reversed,” the EFL said.
Wimbledon acknowledged the disappointment the change of venue would cause their supporters. “We will confirm ticket arrangements as soon as possible (including refund process for the original fixture), and we are actively working with local travel companies on coach travel for our supporters wishing to travel,” they said. “We recognise this will be extremely difficult for supporters wishing to support the Dons for this hugely anticipated fixture.”
The Met Office had predicted that as much as a month’s rain could fall on parts of England in 24 hours as recent warm weather ended. Images of the Cherry Red Records Stadium show a particularly damaged corner of the pitch with a misshapen surface and flooded walkways around the ground.
The postponement means Wimbledon’s League Two fixture against Crewe Alexandra, due to be played on 1 October, will have to be rescheduled for an alternative date. Wimbledon said an update would follow regarding Saturday’s scheduled home game against Accrington.
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Wimbledon have beaten fellow fourth-tier side Bromley and Premier League Ipswich to reach the third round of the Carabao Cup.
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