Stadium MK to host Tottenham-Watford EFL Cup tie

The neutral ground that will host Tottenham and Watford's EFL Cup date on September 26 has been confirmed as Stadium MK - a divisive choice.

Published : Sep 06, 2018 23:54 IST

A Tottenham corner flag at Wembley
A Tottenham corner flag at Wembley
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A Tottenham corner flag at Wembley

Tottenham has announced that its EFL Cup tie with Watford will be hosted at Stadium MK due to the unavailability of Wembley and its new stadium, despite pressure from fans.

It was revealed straight after the draw on August 30 that Spurs had applied for special dispensation to hold the match at a neutral ground.

Spurs has hit delays with the major rebuilding project for its new stadium at White Hart Lane, and Wembley - its temporary home - is unavailable on the week commencing September 24.

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It was acknowledged by Spurs that Milton Keynes, approximately 50 miles north-west of White Hart Lane, was not an "ideal destination" for supporters in a statement.

Stadium MK has also proved to be a divisive choice due to the controversial history of the club that plays there - League Two side MK Dons.

Wimbledon, FA Cup winners in 1988, were moved to Milton Keynes from south London in September 2003, in what was an unprecedented move in English football history.

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Fans protested against the switch and formed a new club, AFC Wimbledon, which has risen through the non-league pyramid and now play in League One.

Tottenham Hotspur Supporters Trust (THST) urged the club to consider that and threatened to boycott the match were it to be played in Milton Keynes.

But, the club went ahead with its application and the English Football League ratified it on Thursday. The match will take place at Stadium MK on Wednesday September 26.

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