NewsAFC Wimbledon stadium underwater after torrential rains hit UK

AFC Wimbledon stadium underwater after torrential rains hit UK

Water eroded the turf, creating a unique image on it.
Water eroded the turf, creating a unique image on it.
Images source: © Getty Images | Jordan Pettitt - PA Images

12:52 PM EDT, September 25, 2024

AFC Wimbledon will have to wait at least 19 days for the possibility of playing their next game after heavy rains seriously flooded the club's stadium. The water damaged the pitch, creating an unusual scene. A new schedule and repair work are currently the club's priorities.

In recent hours, some places in the British Isles have seen as much rain in a short time as they usually get in a whole month. In London alone, firefighters intervened around 350 times. The AFC Wimbledon stadium was also significantly flooded.

Closed roads, numerous inundations

The weather has recently severely affected many areas in the UK. Torrential rains in central and southern England have caused extensive damage. According to the BBC, many roads and schools were closed, and numerous areas were flooded.

Trains passing through Rugby, Milton Keynes Central, and Avanti West Coast stations either did not run or experienced significant delays. In Bedfordshire, the A421 road was completely flooded. The hardest-hit area was Woburn, where 132 liters of water per square meter (approximately 3.5 gallons per square foot) were recorded.

Significant damage at AFC Wimbledon stadium

An unusual situation occurred at the Cherry Red Records football stadium, home of AFC Wimbledon.

AFC Wimbledon was supposed to face Newcastle in the third round of the Carabao Cup in southwest London. However, intense rainfall destroyed the pitch and caused a sinkhole in one of the corners. Additionally, the area behind the stands, usually occupied by fans, was entirely underwater, reports The Sun.

Wimbledon will now play against Newcastle at St James' Park after the EFL approved the change in location. There is also a risk that the upcoming match, scheduled for Saturday against Accrington Stanley, will be canceled.

The club announced that it is trying to find a solution. Wimbledon must reschedule the match with Crewe if the game is canceled. The next game the players may be able to play is a clash with Carlisle scheduled for October 12 (Eastern Time).