Luton Town have been forced to postpone their opening home game of the season due to concerns that their stadium upgrade will not be completed in time.
The Premier League debutants were due to face newcomers Burnley at home next weekend, but the game was postponed as stadium renovations were delayed.
Kenilworth Road underwent a $10 million upgrade this summer to bring Luton’s stadium up to Premier League standards, but the 10,356-capacity ground will not be ready until next weekend.
Why is the Luton Town’s game with Burnley postponed?
A Premier League statement said: “The Premier League match between Luton Town FC and Burnley FC, scheduled to take place on Saturday 19 August, will now be postponed.
“Luton Town FC have been unable to offer assurances to the League and Burnley FC that the ongoing work at Kenilworth Road will not affect the scheduling of this match at the late notice to fans.”
Luton themselves also released a statement saying fans and clubs needed time to prepare for the game so they had no choice but to postpone.
“Kenilworth Road is undergoing a program of extensive pitch improvements to make it ready to host Premier League football, including the construction of a new stand to meet broadcast and media requirements.”
“Due to the scale of the project, the club cannot absolutely guarantee fans that any future unforeseen issues will not cause delays which could impact on the planned home opener.
“Together with the Premier League and Burnley FC, all parties therefore considered this to be a reasonable result which gives supporters of both teams ample time to plan their weekend off now and then secure travel for the new date.”
The Hatters were on the receiving end of a 4-1 defeat by Brighton in their first Premier League game at the weekend, but now have until August 25 to prepare for their next game, which is away at Chelsea.