Sinkhole opens up on AFC Wimbledon ground as Carabao Cup match called off

Newcastle United’s Carabao Cup clash against AFC Wimbledon has been postponed after ‘extensive overnight flooding’ left sinkholes across the Plough Lane pitch.

Floods caused chaos across the capital on Monday morning with AFC Wimbledon’s home ground, renamed the Cherry Red Records Stadium in 2021 for sponsorship reasons, washed out after the overnight downpours.

The Dons’ home ground took a battering with videos on social media showing heavy flooding around the stadium blocking entrances.

Another clip showed extensive damage to the Plough Lane pitch with small sections of the playing surface giving way, left resembling a ‘mini golf course’.

Fresh pictures now show the full extent of the damage.

‘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,’ a statement from the League Two side said.

‘More information will follow in due course regarding fixture rearrangement.

‘The stadium is closed until further notice.’

Newcastle have since confirmed the tie has been rearranged for Tuesday 1 October at St James’ Park.

The tie was scheduled to be one of three games taking place at Plough Lane in the space of a week. AFC Wimbledon are scheduled to host Accrington Stanley on Saturday and Crewe Alexandra on Tuesday.

AFC Wimbledon vs Newcastle was scheduled to be one of seven Carabao Cup ties played across Tuesday and Wednesday this week, completing a staggered third round of games which began last week.

The draw for the fourth round of the competition is due to take place after the conclusion of Liverpool vs West Ham United at Anfield on Wednesday night. The fourth round itself is scheduled to be played during the week beginning October 28.