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Southampton’s league match against Preston on Wednesday night was postponed after a massive fire broke out near the stadium just hours before kick-off.
Eighteen fire engines rushed to the scene of the fire, which affected four commercial sets just a few metres above the ground.
The club said: “Southampton Football Club regrets to announce that tonight’s Sky Bet Championship match against Preston North End has been postponed.
“The resolution was made after consultation with local and emergency government after a main fire broke out the previous day at a construction site next to the St Mary’s stadium site.
#SaintsFC regrets to announce that tonight’s match at @SkyBetChamp, Preston, has been postponed:
– Southampton FC (@SouthamptonFC) March 6, 2024
“The incident has caused significant disruption in the area, with roads around the stadium still closed as firefighters continue to manage the situation.
“We are grateful for the cooperation of Preston and the EFL, and while we appreciate the sadness fans might feel, we hope they understand the need to prioritise the protection of fans and any of the clubs.
“The event will be postponed to a new date, to be announced in due course, and all tickets for tonight’s event will be valid for the rescheduled event. “
An EFL spokesperson added: “The EFL can verify that tonight’s Sky Bet Championship match between Southampton and Preston North End has been postponed due to fitness and protection considerations following a fire near St Mary’s Stadium.
“The league will contact both clubs to set a suitable date to reschedule the match, and the main points will be displayed in due course. “
Hampshire and Isle of Wight Fire and Rescue Services responded to an emergency call shortly after 1:00pm. m.
The fire brigade said: “Crews are lately witnessing a fire at Marine Parade Southampton. The fire affected commercial sets near St Mary’s football stadium.
“Residents in the area should keep doors and windows closed because of the amount of smoke.
Huge fireplace near St Mary’s Stadium in Southampton rn pic. twitter. com/SB833uMfh4
– Chris Harwood (@ChrisHarwood3) March 6, 2024
“Some roads near the incident are closed and others are asked to come to the area to allow emergency vehicle traffic. “
Around 5 p. m. , about 100 firefighters were still on hand to fight the blaze, which firefighters described as a “major incident. “
Accountant Chris Harwood posted footage of the chimney filmed from the north of the stadium on X, formerly known as Twitter.
Harwood, 25, told the PA news agency: “We might see a big cloud of smoke from our workplace in Ocean Village, Southampton, during lunch, so we need to walk to it to find out where it was from. “
Southampton are fourth in the league, 8 points off the automatic promotion places, while Preston are just 4 points away from the play-offs.