Report confirms that AFC Wimbledon will be compensated after late Carabao Cup fixture change

On Monday morning the groundskeepers at the Cherry Red Records Stadium aka Plough Lane turned up to work to find that the pitch had suffered catastrophic damage overnight due to flooding.

With Newcastle United set to head to Plough Lane on Tuesday night for a Carabao Cup clash with AFC Wimbledon, the club had a big decision to make and ultimately, after assessing the damage, were forced to postpone the fixture.

There was a real risk of Wimbledon not being able to fulfil the fixture which would have seen Newcastle given a bye to the next round but the Magpies were quick to respond and offer the possibility of assuring the fixture went ahead albeit at St James' Park instead.

Wimbledon and the EFL agreed and the fixture was quickly rearranged and will now be played next Tuesday, the 1st October at 7:45pm.

A Just Giving page has been set up by Wimbledon fans to crowdfund pitch repairs

When the change was announced we had wondered if a deal had been struck which saw Wimbledon given a share of the gate receipts as it was they who were set to profit more from the game originally.

The Chronicle has today confirmed that AFC Wimbledon will be given, what's believed to be, 45% of the gate receipts for the rearranged fixture, which may work out to be even more than they'd have got had the fixture been played at their ground given the larger capacity.

That money should help the club with the repairs to the pitch as well as the money being raised via Just Giving.

The Dons thanked Newcastle and the EFL for a swift resolution

AFC Wimbledon released a statement on Monday thanking Newcastle United for their swift action and help.

"Earlier, we postponed the Newcastle United game, and thanks to them and the EFL for their swift action and agreement to reverse the fixture.

"Supporters are likely to have seen images or footage circulating of the significant pitch damage at our stadium, following record levels of water at the nearby River Wandle overnight.

"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."