Andorra vs England: World Cup Qualifier will go ahead after a fire breaks out at Andorra's stadium
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Updated 08/10/2021 at 18:47 GMT
A fire has broken out in the television gantry at Andorra’s Estadio Nacional, where England are due to play in a World Cup qualifier against Andorra on Saturday. There are concerns over damage to the pitch, which is a synthetic 3G surface, and the blocks of flats that surround the arena.
Andorra train at fire-damaged stadium as clean up continues
Andorra’s Estadio Nacional stadium, the venue scheduled to host England in a World Cup qualifier on Saturday, burst into flames on Friday afternoon.
UEFA confirmed on Friday evening that the fixture will go ahead at the 3,300-seater stadium.
The television gantry, behind the home and away dugouts, caught alight and was engulfed in black smoke within seconds.
Andorra’s pitch is a plastic, artificial surface, and only metres away from the gantry.
Concerns were growing over the state of the pitch, which could easily be damaged by the flames and heat.
The TV gantry, which is surrounded by blocks of flats, stands alone sandwiched between the two dugouts.
Firefighters were quick to the scene and reportedly got the fire under control. Sprinklers were used to battle the flames before emergency services arrived.
"As we all know there has been a small accident and a fire," an Andorra Football Federation spokesperson told Sky Sports.
"No personal harm has been reported, only material damages and the schedule will continue as foreseen. No changes there (with) press conference and training.
"There has been an official statement given by our minister of sport and the president of the federation. The match will be played."
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