Premier League forced to postpone fixture after club refused to play at home

15 July 2023 , 10:39

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Luton's first Premier League home game against Burnley has been postponed (Image: Getty Images)

Luton Town's first Premier League home game was postponed instead of moved to Turf Moor after opponents Burnley REFUSED a request to switch the match.

The postponement was announced on Friday as Kenilworth Road is currently undergoing redevelopments and will not be ready in time for August 19. A rescheduled date for the fixture is yet to be confirmed.

As a result, Luton's first Premier League home game will instead be against West Ham on September 1. And the Daily Mail state that Luton asked Burnley if they could play the August 19 game at Turf Moor instead of Kenilworth Road.

However, Burnley are said to have 'rejected the proposal as they did not want to cause inconvenience to their own fans'. The Premier League have declined to comment.

"The joint decision to delay this fixture is regrettable, especially given the amazing progress that continues to be made on our construction works; our current programme is indeed on time, but there is no additional contingency and therefore can't give a cast-iron guarantee at this stage that a problem outside of our control, however minor, wouldn't force a postponement further down the line and inconveniencing supporters of both clubs," Luton's chief executive Gary Sweet said of the postponement.

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"Although this news will be a disappointment, this will make the matchday experience even greater for fans when they do get to come back. We would like to thank the Premier League and Burnley for their help in arriving at this practical decision.

"All works being carried out have been carefully planned to minimise disruption for our neighbours during the construction period and minimise impact on match-days."

Luton have been forced to redevelop their ground after earning promotion from the Championship after beating Coventry on penalties in the play-off final. They have been forked out around £10m to bring Kenilworth Road up to Premier League standards.

Much of the Bobbers stand is being rebuilt, with new media and broadcast facilities also being installed. Luton have been rather active in the transfer market as well this summer, with three new recruits officially confirmed.

Winger Chiedozie Ogbene has joined on a free transfer from Rotherham, while Barnsley captain Mads Andersen has also signed. Luton have also forked out around £4m to sign former Manchester United starlet Tahith Chong from Birmingham.

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Matthew Cooper