Sinkhole Emerges at Wimbledon as Newcastle Match Gets Postponed Due to Flooding

AFC Wimbledon’s Carabao Cup third-round match against Newcastle United will now take place at St James’ Park on October 1, following the emergence of a sinkhole at Plough Lane due to severe flooding.

Some areas experienced a fortnight's worth of rain within just an hour early on Monday, significantly impacting the League Two side’s stadium.

Photos reveal extensive damage to the playing surface, with a sinkhole forming near one of the corner flags, making repairs challenging. The pitch currently resembles a damaged golf course, complete with sandy bunkers.

The AFC Wimbledon pitch looks ready for golf after overnight flooding  pic.twitter.com/9iYQBZ2NkW

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Wimbledon Fixture Headache

AFC Wimbledon has agreed to forfeit their home advantage for the Carabao Cup tie against Newcastle United due to concerns over fixture congestion following discussions with competition organizers and Newcastle.

In a statement, the club announced, “Our Carabao Cup fixture against Newcastle United has been rearranged to be held at St James’ Park on Tuesday, October 1, with kick-off at 7:45 PM. We will confirm ticket arrangements, including the refund process for the original fixture, as soon as possible. We are also working with local travel companies to provide coach travel for supporters, recognizing the challenges they may face in attending this highly anticipated match.”

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Additionally, Wimbledon’s upcoming home EFL League Two match against Crewe Alexandra, scheduled for October 1, has been postponed. Tickets purchased for that game will remain valid, with further details to follow. The club will also provide updates regarding Saturday’s scheduled match against Accrington Stanley.

With roads around Plough Lane also flooded after heavy rain on Sunday night and Monday morning, it remains uncertain when the game against Newcastle can be rescheduled amid an already busy fixture list.

Sources at Newcastle initially downplayed the likelihood of the fixture being held at St James’ Park, expressing concerns about not having enough time to secure agreements with the safety advisory committee. However, those concerns have since been alleviated, and the match has now been cleared to take place at the venue.