The English Football League say they are “extremely disappointed” a decision to postpone Nottingham Forest’s match at Bournemouth was made so late.
The Reds were due to take on the second-placed Cherries in a crunch Championship clash at the Vitality Stadium this evening.
However, the game was called off little more than four hours before the scheduled 7.45pm kick-off, with many Forest fans either already on the south coast or on their way down.
An EFL spokesperson said: “The decision to postpone AFC Bournemouth v Nottingham Forest was reached on Friday afternoon following a recommendation by the local Safety Advisory Group after the Vitality Stadium sustained damage as a result of the developing weather conditions.
“The EFL has been informed that the impact of the storm means the issues cannot be rectified ahead of the scheduled kick-off or at a rearranged time on Saturday.
“Earlier in the day it had been communicated to the league that they had hoped the fixture would be able to take place and both clubs and Sky Sports were making their final preparations.
“We are extremely disappointed that the decision has been left so late in the day and, whilst we acknowledge safety is the number one priority, consideration in these circumstances must be given to all stakeholders in plenty of time, including the travelling supporters who have braved today’s conditions to go and support their team.”
Bournemouth had said in a statement: “Friday’s SkyBet Championship match between AFC Bournemouth and Nottingham Forest has been postponed for safety reasons following damage to Vitality Stadium caused by Storm Eunice.
“Structural engineers have carried out an inspection of the stadium and have confirmed that the damage could pose a significant risk to supporters’ safety.
“The ongoing impact of the storm means the damage cannot be repaired in time either to fulfil the fixture on Friday, or at a re-arranged time on Saturday.”
