Nottingham Forest fans have been left furious at the late decision to postpone the Reds’ clash with Bournemouth.
The crunch match between the two Championship promotion-hopefuls was due to take place at the Vitality Stadium on Friday evening.
However, it was called off little more than four hours before the scheduled 7.45pm kick-off, when many Forest supporters were either already on the south coast or on their way down.
Bournemouth 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 have said: “The club truly appreciates the efforts of supporters already in Bournemouth and those travelling.
“We are extremely disappointed the match will not now take place this weekend. The club tried its very best to have the match played.
“The club will confirm details in due course of free coach travel to the rearranged fixture for those who have missed out, as a thank you for your support.”
Reds fans have had their say on the matter, taking to social media to vent their fury.
@AndySC8434: Remember lockdown and empty stadiums and everyone saying how important the fans are… #afcb #nffc
@memototurner: A really poor state of affairs. Any wombat should have known this game should have been called off yesterday in view of Red weather warnings. As per usual the fans suffer, disgraceful. Safe journey home. Well done to our club for offering to play tomorrow. Class #nffc
@MartinAckerley: The forecast is actually seemingly fine this evening! Why was it called off and why can't the EFL force this to be played on the original Saturday date? Everyone has already made the trip! It's a shambles! #NFFC #AFCB
@GeorgeRamsay101: Still annoyed Bournemouth VS #NFFC was postponed at such late notice and even more annoyed the game won’t be played tomorrow. Sceptical about the structural damage to the stadium as don’t see why that wasn’t declared earlier. Very convenient considering Bournemouth’s injuries.
@CezJPForest: I understand the safety aspect of the postponement, but the sheer lack of consideration for fans #nffc is appalling! It was totally obvious to all that this was not going to go ahead! A morning postpone would of saved this embarrassment!
@KTGPIG: Can’t wait for the 8pm kick off at Fulham to be postponed at 530pm next month. #nffc
@halllalex: Diabolical is the only word to describe the #NFFC game being called off. Pretty sure you’d have been able to be competent enough to assess damage and make a decision before 4pm. Something tells me Bournemouth were searching for a reason to not play.
@Richwhitty63: So looking forward to the rearranged game being played on a day that suits everyone but the fans. #nffc
@Jez_Morgan: Ridiculous that this decision was left so late. If the damage is widespread and significant, then surely the review and inspection could have been completed earlier. #NFFC
@TrickyTree95: I don’t understand how Bournemouth are able to refuse to play. The game was originally scheduled for tomorrow so close the section of the stadium that is damaged and play the game. If not, forfeit and give us the points. Feel for the fans that travel safe journey home. #NFFC
@KieranD83672193: Not on their way. There. With non refundable hotel bookings and travel expenses already incurred. Absolute disgrace. #nffc
