Wimbledon Stadium Submerged: A Natural Disaster Disrupts Matches

AFC Wimbledon's Plough Lane stadium suffered severe flooding, requiring over 100,000 litres of water to be pumped out. The disaster led to significant pitch damage and the postponement of scheduled matches. Efforts for repair are underway, including financial support from Newcastle United and fundraising initiatives by fans.

AFC Wimbledon's managing director initially mistook images of the flooded Plough Lane stadium for AI-generated pictures. The severe flooding, which required over 100,000 litres of water to be pumped out, has caused extensive damage to the pitch and forced the postponement of several matches, Managing Director James Woodroof reported to the BBC.

The League Cup match against Newcastle United has been rescheduled for October 1 at St James' Park, and the League Two match versus Crewe Alexandra has also been postponed. The flooding was triggered when the nearby River Wandle broke its banks, affecting the entire stadium and concourse.

Woodroof described the scene as unprecedented in the past 60 years, with major damage to all ground-level areas. Fundraising efforts are underway to support the repair works, including a donation of £15,000 from Newcastle United. Woodroof expressed gratitude for the strong community spirit and resilience shown by fans and supporters.

(With inputs from agencies.)