AFC Wimbledon’s Carabao Cup third-round tie against Newcastle United, scheduled for Tuesday night, has been postponed due to severe flooding in the local area.
Overnight flooding from the River Wandle significantly impacted the Cherry Red Records Stadium and its surrounding areas, leading to the cancellation of the much-anticipated fixture. Newcastle United’s pre-match press conference, set for Monday morning with manager Eddie Howe, was also called off in anticipation of the postponement. AFC Wimbledon and Newcastle United are now discussing with the EFL to determine when the fixture can be rearranged.
The floodwater has damaged both the pitch and the infrastructure around the Cherry Red Records Stadium, making it unplayable for the time being. AFC Wimbledon, in a statement, confirmed the situation: “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.”
Wimbledon’s immediate concern is ensuring that the pitch and surrounding areas are safe and playable again, but the club also faces significant scheduling challenges. Video footage appears to show parts of the playing surface collapsing, making this more than a simple waterlogged pitch issue. Wimbledon are due to host Accrington Stanley in League Two this coming Saturday, followed by another home fixture against Crewe Alexandra next Tuesday. The international break follows, adding further pressure on finding a suitable date for the postponed Carabao Cup match.
The EFL’s regulations regarding postponements due to weather-related incidents state that a rearranged fixture must be scheduled “for the earliest reasonable opportunity,” which includes the possibility of using a neutral venue. However, the rulebook also stipulates that the match must be played before the next round, the week of October 30th. If no suitable date can be found, the match may be abandoned, leading to the forfeiture of the tie by the club that cannot fulfil the fixture.
Wimbledon are keen to avoid this scenario and are hopeful that the EFL can find a solution that allows the game to be played at a later date, though no official rearrangement has been made as of yet.
The club’s fixture congestion is already beginning to mount. With two crucial League Two matches on the horizon, Wimbledon must manage their squad carefully while awaiting news of when the postponed Cup match will take place. The potential use of a neutral venue adds another layer of complexity, especially for a home tie expected to draw a large crowd. The Cherry Red Records Stadium, set to host one of Wimbledon’s biggest matches in recent years, will need significant repairs and inspections before any games can be played.
The flooding has caused logistical headaches for Wimbledon and raises questions about the club’s ability to maintain momentum. The Wombles have had a solid start to their League Two campaign, but back-to-back home fixtures disrupted by weather and rescheduling could affect the team’s preparation and focus. Newcastle, meanwhile, will have their challenges with a packed Premier League schedule and other commitments. The availability of players during the potential international break could also become a factor in rearranging the fixture.
Writer’s View
AFC Wimbledon’s postponed tie against Newcastle United is a frustrating turn of events for the club and its supporters, particularly given the scale of the occasion. A third-round Carabao Cup match against Premier League opposition would have been a major event for the club, drawing a significant crowd and creating excitement around Plough Lane. Now, the focus must shift to the practicalities of rearranging the fixture, which will be far from simple given the club’s packed fixture list. With a collapsed pitch, the prospect of football at the stadium in the near future feels very remote indeed.
The immediate concern is the impact on Wimbledon’s League Two campaign. With crucial matches against Accrington Stanley and Crewe Alexandra in the coming days, the club must fully focus on their league obligations. The added uncertainty of when the Newcastle match will be played could be a distraction, but it’s critical that Wimbledon maintain their form and avoid being unsettled by the disruption. The club’s ability to navigate these challenges will be a key test of their resilience as the season progresses.
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