Newcastle United have made a generous donation of £15,000 to AFC Wimbledon to help repair flood damage at their Plough Lane stadium.
The gesture comes after the League Two club’s Carabao Cup third-round tie against Newcastle, originally scheduled for Tuesday night, was postponed due to extensive flooding.
The match has now been relocated to St James’ Park and will take place on 1 October.
The flooding, caused by heavy rainfall and the nearby River Wandle breaking its banks, left Wimbledon’s pitch severely damaged with a large sinkhole forming.
The flooding at Plough Lane was severe, with over 100,000 litres of water pumped from the pitch.
AFC Wimbledon’s managing director, James Woodwoof, reported that the “entire stadium” was submerged.
Newcastle have made a hefty donation to Wimbledon after their flood woe
Reuters
In response to the crisis, Graham Stacey, a former board member of the Dons Trust, set up a crowdfunding page.
The initiative has been remarkably successful, raising over £50,000 to date.
Newcastle’s £15,000 contribution accounts for nearly a third of the total raised. Stacey’s original target was £50,000, but he has since increased it to £100,000 to cover the extensive repairs needed.
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Graham Stacey expressed gratitude for the support, stating: “Thank you to supporters from the likes of Newcastle, Brighton, Arsenal, Colchester and Southampton who have all rallied round. Football really is, at its core, one huge extended family.”
AFC Wimbledon released a statement acknowledging the situation: “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.”
The club also thanked Newcastle United and the EFL for their “swift action and agreement to reverse the fixture”.
The rescheduled match at St James’ Park on 1 October will see AFC Wimbledon receive 45% of the gate receipts, providing a financial boost to the League Two side.
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Wimbledon have had to rely on donations after a shock sinkhole emerged
Reuters
This arrangement was agreed upon by Newcastle to support the 1988 FA Cup winners.
The postponement has also affected Wimbledon’s League Two fixture against Crewe Alexandra, originally set for the same date.
The club is working on travel arrangements for supporters wishing to attend the Newcastle match.
Severe rainfall saw the sinkhole emerge at Plough Lane
Reuters
AFC Wimbledon’s Plough Lane stadium remains closed until further notice due to the extensive damage.
The club has promised to confirm ticket arrangements, including refund processes for the original fixture, as soon as possible.