LONDON: Saudi-backed Newcastle United on Tuesday pledged £15,000 ($20,100) to help their Carabao Cup opponents AFC Wimbledon after storms damaged the fourth-tier club’s Plough Lane pitch over the weekend.
Heavy rains have battered the UK since Friday, leading to a waterlogged pitch and significant damage to the playing surface at the south London club, with images of a sinkhole near one of the goalmouths circulating on social media.
Newcastle were due to play Wimbledon in the third round of the competition on Tuesday night but have agreed to reverse the fixture and play the match at their own St. James’ Park stadium on Oct. 1.
“We regret to inform fans that due to extensive overnight flooding of the River Wandle, Tuesday night’s Carabao Cup third-round fixture against Newcastle United has been postponed.”, an AFC Wimbledon statement said.
Graham Stacey, a Wimbledon fan, set up a JustGiving page in an attempt to raise £50,000 to fix the flood damage, a target which had surpassed £75,000 by Tuesday in large part thanks to the Premier League club’s donation.
He told the Press Association he had been absolutely “flabbergasted” at the support the League Two club had received and praised Newcastle’s “incredible” gesture, but said his side would not return the favor on the the pitch, joking the Dons would beat Newcastle next week.
“They’ve been nothing but supportive. Obviously, we had a big game lined up against them at home that’s now been switched to St. James’ Park, which is a fantastic event,” he said.
“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 apologize because they’ve been so generous, and if we do [win] I’d almost feel bad… but it’s incredibly generous of them.”
James Woodroof, AFC Wimbledon club director, told the BBC on Tuesday that 100,000 liters of water had been pumped out of the stadium.
“I woke up to images from my stadium team. I thought it was artificial intelligence,” he said.
“The entire stadium, the concourse and ground floor, was under water. It was horrendous. The pitch has significant damage.
“We filled four tankers, which house 27,000 liters each – over 100,000 liters.”
