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.

The Impact of the Flooding

The flooding at the Cherry Red Records Stadium has had a significant impact on the club. The stadium is currently closed until further notice. The club shop has been damaged, as has the museum. The club is currently working on repairs and hopes to have the stadium open again as soon as possible.

Wimbledon Fans Rally Round

Wimbledon fans have been quick to rally around the club, raising money to help with the cost of repairs. One fan started a crowdfunding campaign that quickly gained traction, raising nearly half the target of £10,000 in the first four hours. “That’s what we do: in times of trouble, we come together,” Graham Stacey, a former board member of the Dons Trust which owns the club, told i. “It was just a couple of fans speaking on a WhatsApp group, saying, ‘What can we do?’ Some people offered to go down there with a mop and bucket. And it is a case of getting games back on as soon as possible, because that’s our lifeblood.”

Newcastle’s Perspective

Newcastle United, the team that was originally scheduled to face AFC Wimbledon, has been understanding of the situation. The team’s manager, Eddie Howe, was due to face the media on Monday morning, but the press conference was cancelled in anticipation of the game being postponed. Newcastle are now looking forward to their upcoming fixture against Manchester City on Saturday. Newcastle fans have also been joking that it needed an act of God for their team to get a home tie in the cup, after being drawn away from home in both the FA Cup and Carabao Cup on the last eight occasions.

The Wider Impact of the Flooding

The flooding at AFC Wimbledon is part of a wider pattern of flooding across England. Heavy rain has caused flooding in many parts of the country, leading to travel disruption.

Looking Ahead

While the situation at AFC Wimbledon is unfortunate, the club is resilient and has a strong fan base. The club is working to repair the stadium and hopes to be back in action soon. Newcastle United is looking forward to their upcoming fixtures, and the team and their fans are hoping for a successful season.

The Future of AFC Wimbledon

The flooding at AFC Wimbledon is a setback, but it is not the end of the world. The club has faced challenges before and has always come out stronger. The fans are rallying around the club and are confident that the stadium will be repaired and the club will be back in action soon.