The managing director of AFC Wimbledon on Wednesday stated that he had the impression that he was viewing AI-created images when he saw images of flooding at their Plough Lane home, which resulted in more than 100,000 litres of water being pumped out of the stadium.
According to James Woodroof, the heavy flooding in South London caused Wimbledon's stadium to become submerged and its pitch to suffer significant damage, resulting in their League Cup match against Newcastle United on Tuesday being moved to St James' Park and rescheduled for October 1, 2024.
The Club's League Two match against Crewe Alexandra, which was also scheduled for October 1, has been postponed due to the club staff's repairs at the stadium caused by the nearby River Wandle breaking its banks on Sunday night.
"I woke up to images from my stadium team. I thought it was AI," Woodroof said.
Woodroof speaking on the incident highlighted that the water last rose to this level, 60 years ago.
"We didn't realise it was going to get to this extent... It's been 60 years since the water had reached this level and essentially we were totally overwhelmed by it.
"The entire stadium, the concourse and ground floor, were under water. It was horrendous. The pitch has significant damage.
"We filled four tankers, which house 27,000 litres each over 100,000 litres," Woodroof explained.
Woodroof also added that the club was looking to play at home again on October 12 against Carlisle United, while he was also expecting diggers to be brought into the stadium on Wednesday to begin excavating the damaged pitch.
"We are deep in investigation mode into what has happened here. Essentially it's a natural disaster," Woodroof said.
"We really need to understand what the damage has been beneath that surface."
In photographs taken of the damaged pitch, there was an area of exposed sand that appeared to be a golf bunker in the vicinity of one of the corner flags.
However, on Wednesday at 3:24pm, it was observed by one of our reporters, that the AFC Wimbledon took to their official X account @AFCWimbledon to post pictures of the ongoing repairs.
"Clear-up well underway. Thanks to our volunteers and staff for clearing flood water in the tunnel and other areas at the stadium," the post caption read.
According to reports, Newcastle, the cup rivals, have given 15,000 pounds ($20,092) to aid Wimbledon in its pitch repairs, and a fan has begun an online fundraising campaign to raise 100,000 pounds.
"We are really thankful for all the support," Woodroof said.
"It typifies the spirit of this football club, this relentless resilience and community spirit is extraordinary.
After six matches, Wimbledon have 13 points, putting them in fifth place in League Two.
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