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Nottingham Post
Nottingham Post
Sport
Sarah Clapson

'Frustrated' Nottingham Forest make EFL decision after Bournemouth postponement

Nottingham Forest are understood to have shared their observations on the circumstances surrounding Friday night’s postponement with the English Football League.

The Reds’ crunch Championship clash with Bournemouth was called off at 4pm, less than four hours before the scheduled 7.45pm kick-off.

The Cherries cited damage to the Vitality Stadium caused by Storm Eustice, which is said to have occurred on Friday morning, saying supporters could have been put at "significant risk".

Talk that the game could be moved to Saturday - its originally scheduled date - first emerged on Thursday evening. And that still looked like potentially being an option on matchday morning.

Forest are understood to remain frustrated that the fixture was postponed, believing that proper efforts were not made to get the game played on Saturday.

The club were mindful of the fact a large number of Reds fans were already in Bournemouth when the postponement was made, with many more on their way.

Added to that, there is little space within a packed schedule in which to squeeze in the rearranged match, with a new date for it yet to be set.

Damage was said to have occurred to the Main Stand roof, while some of the damage to the stands was said to be internal.

The Cherries are understood to have not been prepared to put staff at risk to use a cherry-picker in the high winds, to carry out repairs and to check for further damage.

Announcing the postponement decision, Bournemouth said: “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.

“The postponement was recommended by the club’s Safety Advisory Group.

“A new date for the fixture will be announced in due course. All purchased tickets will be valid for the rearranged fixture, but all supporters will be eligible for a refund if unable to attend the new date.

“The club apologises for the inconvenience caused by this announcement, but would like to reassure supporters it has been made with the safety of everyone due to attend the match in mind.”

A second statement from the EFL on Friday night said: “With the EFL now in receipt of the prohibition notice issued by the local Safety Advisory Group (SAG) 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.”

Did you make the trip to Bournemouth? Let us know in the comments below

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