Southampton’s home Sky Bet Championship game against Preston North End has been postponed after a fire broke out at a building adjacent to St Mary’s Stadium.
Around 100 firefighters were tackling a blaze affecting four industrial units near the stadium just hours before Southampton were due to host the Lilywhites.
Hampshire and Isle of Wight Police told Sky Sports News that there were no injuries.
A statement from Hampshire and Isle of Wight Fire & Rescue Service prior to the postponement said people had been advised to avoid the area on Wednesday afternoon.
The club added: “The incident has caused significant disruption in the area with road closures around the stadium still in place as fire crews continue to deal with the situation.
“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.
“The game will be postponed to a new date, which will be announced in due course, and all tickets for tonight’s match will be valid for the rearranged fixture.”
Southampton, fourth in the Championship, are now facing a fixture pile-up in April. They also need to rearrange their match at Leicester which was due to be played on March 15 but was postponed due to the Foxes’ involvement in the FA Cup quarter-finals.
