Newcastle United's Carabao Cup third-round tie at AFC Wimbledon, which was scheduled for Tuesday, has been postponed because of “extensive overnight flooding at the Cherry Red Records Stadium”.
A new date for the fixture is yet to be confirmed.
Flooding at Plough Lane
Wimbledon's Plough Lane stadium is now closed due to severe flooding, with a rescheduled date for the game yet to be determined. The Dons' official website reported, "We regret to inform supporters that due to extensive overnight flooding of the River Wandle and surrounding areas, including at our Cherry Red Records Stadium, Tuesday night’s Carabao Cup third-round fixture against Newcastle United has been postponed."
The stadium is closed until further notice. The fourth round of the Carabao Cup is scheduled to take place the week beginning October 28.
Wimbledon's Cup Run
Wimbledon secured their spot in the third round by winning a dramatic penalty shootout against Premier League side Ipswich. Meanwhile, Newcastle also triumphed on penalties after a thrilling match against Nottingham Forest at the City Ground.
Impact on the Fixtures
The postponement has created a logistical headache for both clubs. Finding an alternative date will be challenging, given Wimbledon's upcoming League Two home matches against Accrington Stanley and Crewe Alexandra on Saturday and Tuesday, October 1, respectively. These games are also in doubt due to the flooding.
Carabao Cup rules permit the use of a neutral venue if necessary. There is also the possibility of playing the game on the dates reserved for fourth-round ties. However, a potential fixture backlog could complicate matters.
Newcastle's Carabao Cup Ambitions
Newcastle boss Eddie Howe recently emphasized the importance of the Wimbledon game in their quest for silverware. He stated, "Wimbledon is a massive game for us. We are under no illusions on that. It is a competition we want to do well in. But we want to build momentum in our season. First and foremost, we want to produce a really good performance. So, we know the onus is on us to deliver in this game."
Looking Ahead
Newcastle’s media release indicates that the match will be rescheduled, but as of yet, there is no confirmation of what happens next. The club's pre-match press conference, scheduled for Monday morning, was canceled in anticipation of the game being postponed.
The postponement adds to the growing list of sporting events affected by the severe flooding in the United Kingdom. The heavy rain and general flooding around southwest London overnight have caused significant damage to the pitch, with videos on social media highlighting the extent of the problem. As of now, it remains unclear when and where the Newcastle-Wimbledon game will take place, but both clubs will be in the hat for the last-16 draw, which will take place on Wednesday evening. The game must be decided before the fourth-round ties begin on the week commencing October 28.
A Messy Situation
Despite the challenges, the Carabao Cup remains a key objective for Newcastle. The team has shown its ambition in the competition, reaching the final in 2022-23 and the quarter-finals last season. With the fixture backlog and the uncertainty surrounding the rescheduled date, the outcome of the Newcastle-Wimbledon tie will be closely watched by fans of both clubs. While a neutral venue or a later date might be considered, the potential for further disruptions due to weather conditions remains a possibility. The club will need to navigate this complex situation carefully to ensure a fair and competitive outcome for both teams. The future of the match and the impact on both clubs' schedules will be closely monitored in the coming days, as the extent of the damage and the feasibility of playing at Plough Lane are assessed.
The Aftermath
The postponement of the Carabao Cup clash between Newcastle United and AFC Wimbledon, caused by severe flooding, is a reminder of the unpredictable nature of sports. While the immediate concern is the damage caused to the stadium and the disruption to both clubs’ schedules, the event highlights the broader issue of climate change and its increasing impact on sporting events worldwide. With the changing climate leading to more extreme weather events, it is crucial for sporting organizations to adapt and prepare for such contingencies to ensure the smooth running of competitions. The Newcastle-Wimbledon postponement serves as a timely reminder of the importance of planning for unforeseen circumstances and adapting to the evolving environment to ensure the safety and enjoyment of fans and players alike.
