A sinkhole has caused significant damage to the pitch at AFC Wimbledon’s Cherry Red Records Stadium after spells of heavy rain led to flooding earlier this week.
League Two’s AFC Wimbledon were due to play against Premier League side Newcastle United tonight (September 24) in the Carabao Cup, but due to the circumstances, the game clearly cannot be played at Plough Lane. Newcastle has agreed for the game to be switched over to be played at their stadium, St. James’ Park, a week from today on October 1 – and even made a donation towards repairs to the damage.
The fundraiser for the pitch at AFC Wimbledon
Credit: @ftblforfuture, via IG
Set up by AFC Wimbledon fan Graham Stacey, the fundraiser to fix the pitch has already surpassed its £50,000 target, with the mysterious donor named ‘Newcastle United’ took it over the line with their £15,000 contribution.
Speaking to PA Media on Newcastle’s donation, Stacey said: “They’ve been nothing but supportive. Obviously, we had a big game lined up against them at home tonight that’s now been switched to St James’ Park, which is a fantastic event.”
“For the two sides to play at one of the biggest grounds in the country with one of the best supports in the country is going to be a thrill. Even better when we beat them. I should apologise because they’ve been so generous, and if we do [win]I’d almost feel bad… but it’s incredibly generous of them.”
Credit: @afc_wimbledon, via IG
A sinkhole is caused when water washes away the soil of the ground (on the pitch in this case), which then leads to the support underneath in the rock spaces and foundation, which can lead to collapse. This began when heavy rain hit parts of the country over a 24-hour period on Monday (September 23).
As reported by the BBC, more than 100 litres of water has now been pumped out of the stadium, after the managing director said the entire stadium was left underwater.
It comes after a great spell of football for the League Two side, who remain undefeated in their last five home matches. In a post to their socials, AFC Wimbledon confirmed that they are trying to find a solution for this weekend’s home fixture against Accrington Stanley, though there is “no way” that it can be played at the Cherry Red Records Stadium.
The fundraiser set up by Graham Stacey to fix damage caused by a sinkhole on the pitch at the Cherry Red Records Stadium has (at the time of writing) raised more than £57,000. You can donate to it here.