Southampton vs Preston North End: Sky Bet Championship game postponed after fire near St Mary's Stadium – Sky Sports
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Fire crews were tackling a blaze affecting industrial units near St Mary’s Stadium, just hours before they were due to host Preston North End in the Championship; Southampton have now announced that their home encounter will be played at a later date
Wednesday 6 March 2024 19:01, UK
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Southampton’s home Sky Bet Championship game against Preston North End has been postponed after a fire broke out at a building adjacent to St Mary’s Stadium.
Around 100 firefighters were tackling a blaze affecting four industrial units near the stadium just hours before Southampton were due to host the Lilywhites.
Hampshire and Isle of Wight Police told Sky Sports News that there were no injuries.
A statement from Hampshire and Isle of Wight Fire & Rescue Service prior to the postponement said people had been advised to avoid the area on Wednesday afternoon.
Southampton said the match was postponed after “consultation with the local authorities and emergency services”.
The club added: “The incident has caused significant disruption in the area with road closures around the stadium still in place as fire crews continue to deal with the situation.
“We are grateful for the cooperation of Preston and the EFL, and while we appreciate the disappointment fans may feel, we hope they will understand the need to put the safety of supporters and staff of both clubs first.
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“The game will be postponed to a new date, which will be announced in due course, and all tickets for tonight’s match will be valid for the rearranged fixture.”
Southampton, fourth in the Championship, are now facing a fixture pile-up in April. They also need to rearrange their match at Leicester which was due to be played on March 15 but was postponed due to the Foxes’ involvement in the FA Cup quarter-finals.
Saturday March 9 – Southampton vs Sunderland, kick-off 3pm
Friday March 29 – Southampton vs Middlesbrough, kick-off 3pm
Monday April 1 – Ipswich vs Southampton, kick-off 5.30pm
Saturday April 6 – Blackburn vs Southampton, kick-off 3pm
Tuesday April 9 – Southampton vs Coventry, kick-off 7.45pm
Saturday April 13 – Southampton vs Watford, kick-off 3pm
Saturday April 20 – Cardiff vs Southampton, kick-off 3pm
Saturday April 27 – Southampton vs Stoke, kick-off 3pm
Saturday May 4 – Leeds vs Southampton, kick-off 3pm
*To be rearranged Preston (h) and Leicester (a).
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