I sparked Newcastle’s £15,000 donation for AFC Wimbledon need to apologise now

Newcastle United have once again demonstrated their class with an exceptionally generous gesture that has touched the hearts of AFC Wimbledon supporters.

One fan, Graham Stacey, who has already helped raise over £85,000 for his beloved club, humorously suggested that he should apologize for wanting his team to beat Newcastle, especially after the Magpies made a sizable donation.

AFC Wimbledon had been preparing for a sell-out crowd at their home ground, Plough Lane, for the Carabao Cup third-round tie against Newcastle.

However, after overnight flooding in South London caused severe damage to the pitch, the game had to be relocated to Newcastle’s St James’ Park. The flooding was so extensive that AFC Wimbledon’s managing director, James Woodroof, said the images sent by the club’s security team looked like they had been generated by artificial intelligence.

The damage was unlike anything the club had experienced since the River Wandle last broke its banks in 1968, leaving Woodroof to describe the event as a “natural disaster.”

Amid this challenging situation, Stacey, a former board member of the Dons Trust, set up a Just Giving page to raise funds for the fan-owned club. Incredibly, the page has already amassed £85,876, with a significant contribution from the generous Newcastle fanbase.

To top it off, Newcastle United themselves donated £15,000 to help AFC Wimbledon during this difficult time. Stacey was deeply moved by the Magpies’ support, calling it “incredibly generous.” However, despite the gratitude, Stacey humorously noted that AFC Wimbledon still intends to win the upcoming match at St James’ Park.

Playing at one of the country’s largest stadiums, with a passionate crowd, is certainly a thrilling prospect for the AFC Wimbledon players and fans. Stacey joked that if his team does manage to beat Newcastle, he might feel a bit guilty considering the kindness they’ve received from the club and its supporters. But for now, his sights remain on victory, even if it comes with a hint of guilt.

The decision to move the fixture to Newcastle has not only saved the match but also provided much-needed financial relief for AFC Wimbledon. Woodroof expressed his gratitude towards both Newcastle and the EFL for organizing the game in a way that would benefit his club.

With a revenue-sharing agreement in place, AFC Wimbledon stands to gain a portion of the proceeds from the match. Woodroof is optimistic, hoping that Newcastle fans will turn out in large numbers and that thousands of Wimbledon supporters will also make the journey north, despite the challenges posed by the country’s train network. He sees the game as a chance to raise crucial funds for the club, regardless of the result on the pitch.

In addition to the revenue generated by ticket sales, Newcastle also processed refunds for fans who had tickets to the original fixture. The club swiftly acted, offering refunds on Tuesday, while season ticket holders who had opted into the Carabao Cup scheme were notified by email.

Members and season ticket holders not enrolled in the scheme were able to enter a ballot for the chance to secure a ticket for the rescheduled match, with general sale set to open shortly thereafter.

Newcastle’s actions have provided a glimmer of hope and relief for AFC Wimbledon, who continue to rebuild after the devastation caused by the flooding. As the match approaches, both clubs can take pride in the sense of camaraderie and support that has emerged in the face of adversity. Whether AFC Wimbledon manages to pull off an upset remains to be seen, but their gratitude towards Newcastle United is undeniable.

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