Southampton fire: Championship game v Preston off because of blaze near St Mary's

Fire next to St Mary's StadiumImage source, Rex Features
Image caption,

Smoke has been billowing over St Mary's

Southampton have postponed Wednesday's Championship fixture with Preston North End following a major fire next to their St Mary's ground.

The club took the decision after consultation with local authorities and emergency services, with widespread disruption caused by the blaze.

Roads around the stadium are closed as fire crews continue to deal with the situation.

A new date for the rescheduled fixture will be announced in due course.

The blaze is in the industrial units on Marine Parade just yards from the ground.

Wednesday's postponed game was one of five matches scheduled for the Championship.

Russell Martin's Saints side are fourth in the table, eight points behind second-placed Ipswich, but with an 11-point buffer on West Bromwich Albion below them in fifth.

Preston are ninth and four points outside the play-off places.

"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," a Southampton statement said.