Wimbledon’s Plough Lane ground came to a standstill yesterday as sinkholes appeared on the pitch but Newcastle United quickly offered support
Newcastle United have been thanked by AFC Wimbledon after throwing an arm of support around their lower league opponents following the Carabao Cup third round postponement.
The Magpies were in touch very quickly with the Dons after news broke of the devastating damage caused at Plough Lane following floods in the capital. With the game at one stage in danger of Newcastle being awarded a bye and Wimbledon on the receiving end of a costly knock out without kicking a ball, United boss Eddie Howe made it clear he preferred the game to go ahead, albeit at St James’ Park.
With the League Two side set to earn at least 45% of the gate receipts of what will be a much bigger crowd, Wimbledon will be in for a pay day despite losing home advantage. A Dons statement read: “Earlier, we postponed the Newcastle United game, and thanks to them and the EFL for their swift action and agreement to reverse the fixture.
“Supporters are likely to have seen images or footage circulating of the significant pitch damage at our stadium, following record levels of water at the nearby River Wandle overnight.
“It has been an immensely difficult day for club staff given the extent of the flooding, with related damage to our pitch and stadium. No doubt it’s been a difficult day for our supporters and volunteers, seeing the scenes online too.
“Staff encountered significant flooding of the ground level of the stadium, affecting our offices, the shop and museum, reception areas, lifts, and tunnel area, as well as all concourse areas at ground level.”
The game will take place on October 1 after the damage at Plough Lane with Newcastle saying last night: “To enable the fixture to be played, it will now be switched to the North East following an agreement between the clubs and the competition’s management committee.”
The draw for round four of the Carabao Cup will still take place on Wednesday night meaning the two teams will know who they are facing in the next round before next Tuesday’s 7.45pm kick off at St James’ Park.
