Huge sinkhole at AFC Wimbledon destroys pitch with fundraiser reaching almost 100k in 2 days
A huge sinkhole which appeared in AFC Wimbledon’s pitch on Monday (September 23) has damaged the stadium so badly the team had to postpone their Carabao Cup fixture with Newcastle United scheduled for Tuesday night. There has been an overwhelming level of support from fans who have raised nearly £100,000 to support the club with the cost of repairs in just two days.
Flooding caused chaos on the streets of London at the start of this week, with London Fire Brigade taking 350 calls as a result. Cars were submerged and trapped under water, and weather warnings were issued across the country.
AFC Wimbledon's pitch at Cherry Red Records Stadium was left destroyed by the flooding after a huge sinkhole appeared. Other photographs have shown flooding at the stadium's ground including in the team’s trophy room.
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The team’s Carabao Cup fixture against Newcastle United planned for Tuesday night was cancelled as a result of the damage. A spokesperson for the team said: “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.
“Staff encountered significant flooding of the ground level of the stadium, affecting our offices, the shop and museum, reception areas, lifts, and tunnel area, as well as all concourse areas at ground level.
“We have overcome many setbacks by working together and this one will be no different. We genuinely appreciate all the messages of support and offers from volunteers and members to help us fix the damage. We ask for some patience whilst we complete our investigations and formulate our plans before getting to work. We will advise further what supporters can do to help us soon; thank you."
But now a crowd funder started by a fan of the team has raised a staggering £96, 634 in just two days. Newcastle United gave a hefty donation of £15,000 to help the club repair their damaged grounds.
Graham Stacey who started the fundraiser said on Just Giving: “The money raised will go towards helping the club deal with any costs associated with the floods and could range from repairs to pump hire to rental of an alternative venue - that will be decided by the Club.
“As you may know, AFC Wimbledon is a fan-owned club and the ability to play games in front of crowds is crucial to its existence.
Stacey continued: “AFC Wimbledon is more than a lower league football club - it is admired for its work in the local community through the AFC Wimbledon Foundation charity, while Dons Local Action Group have distributed food for more than six million meals to those in need since 2020.”
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