Andorra v England to go ahead despite fire at stadium

There were no reports of injuries, but the blaze had raised concerns that the match may be affected since the flames were right beside the stadium's artificial pitch.

Published : Oct 08, 2021 20:41 IST

Police tape is seen outside the stadium after a VAR monitor was burnt in a fire after training.
Police tape is seen outside the stadium after a VAR monitor was burnt in a fire after training.
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Police tape is seen outside the stadium after a VAR monitor was burnt in a fire after training.

England's World Cup qualifier against Andorra on Saturday will go ahead as planned despite a fire that broke out at the Estadi Nacional on Friday, the Andorran Football Federation (FAF) has confirmed.

Sky posted earlier videos showing a television gantry at the side of the pitch between the two sets of team benches engulfed in flames and giving off plumes of thick, black smoke. There were no reports of injuries, but the blaze had raised concerns that the match may be affected since the flames were right beside the stadium's artificial pitch.

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Sky added that a fire crew had arrived at the stadium to put out the flames but that the gantry had sustained serious damage, which could affect television coverage of the match.

England's players had been training at the 3300 capacity stadium three hours before the blaze broke out. It was not immediately clear what had caused the fire.

The FAF said that firemen were able to minimise the damage and no injuries were reported. The cause of the fire, however, was unclear.

"As we all know there has been a small accident and a fire... no personal harm has been reported, only material damages and the schedule will continue as foreseen. No changes there (with) press conference and training... the match will be played," a FAF spokesperson told Sky Sports.

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