The English Football League have issued a fresh statement on Nottingham Forest’s postponed clash with Bournemouth after receiving the relevant safety paperwork.
The Reds were due to take on the Cherries at the Vitality Stadium on Friday evening in a big Championship match, but the game was called off at about 4pm.
Bournemouth cited damage to the ground caused by Storm Eustice, saying it could “pose a significant risk to supporters’ safety”.
In a new statement, an EFL spokesperson said: “With the EFL now in receipt of the prohibition notice issued by the local Safety Advisory Group to AFC Bournemouth, it is clear that the extent of the structural damage to the stadium, alongside the challenging weather, means that repair work to make it safe for spectators could not be carried out today.
“Whilst our collective focus is always on getting games played, the serving of the notice, despite the best efforts of Bournemouth and Nottingham Forest, has ultimately led to tonight’s postponement.
“The League will now look to work with both clubs to re-date the fixture at the earliest opportunity.”
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.”
Forest had said: “The club truly appreciates the efforts of supporters already in Bournemouth and those travelling this afternoon.
“We are extremely disappointed the match will not now take place this weekend. The club tried its very best to have the match played.”
And an initial communication from the EFL 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.”
