Southampton have confirmed that their Championship match against Preston this evening has been postponed due to a fire near St Mary's.
A fire broke out on an industrial site outside the ground on Wednesday and it has been decided that the game will not go ahead due to safety concerns.
Fire crews have been tackling the blaze on the south coast just hours before the game was set to kick off on the south coast.
The Hampshire and Isle of Wight Fire & Rescue Service had advised people nearby to avoid the area and keep their windows and doors closed.
Southampton have announced their match against Preston has been postponed due to the fire
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They posted on X: "Crews are tackling a fire affecting industrial units near St Mary's football stadium.
"People in the area are advised to keep windows and doors closed
"Some roads local to the incident are closed and people are advised to avoid the area to allow movements of emergency vehicles."
The fire raised question marks over whether tonight's game between Southampton and Preston would go ahead.
And now it has been announced that it has indeed been postponed, with a statement from Southampton confirming there had been 'significant disruption in the area'.
Saints also said the decision was made to 'put the safety of supporters first'.
The statement reads: "Southampton Football Club regrets to announce that tonight’s Sky Bet Championship match against Preston North End has been postponed.
"The decision was made after consultation with the local authorities and emergency services after a major fire broke out in a building next to the St Mary’s Stadium site earlier today.
"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."
A statement from the EFL says safety concerns meant that the game could not go ahead.
It read: "The EFL can confirm that tonight’s Sky Bet Championship fixture between Southampton and Preston North End has been postponed as a result of health and safety concerns following a fire nearby St Mary’s Stadium.
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Southampton said the match against Preston was postponed due to safety concerns
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"The League will liaise with both Clubs to determine a suitable date to reschedule the fixture, with details to be confirmed in due course."
Many Preston fans will have already made the journey down from Lancashire for the match.
The club said they will announce on Thursday any compensation the supporters will receive.
Preston said: "The club would like to thank supporters who have made the long journey to support the team and wish everyone a safe journey home.
Southampton's match against Preston will be rearranged after the fire
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"An announcement will be made on Thursday regarding any potential compensation arrangements for travelling fans."
Southampton are fourth in the Championship table as they look to bounce straight back to the Premier League following relegation.
Preston are ninth, just four points off the play-offs as they aim to get into the Premier League for the first time.
