BOURNEMOUTH'S clash with Nottingham Forest has been called off just hours before kick-off due to Storm Eunice – sparking a major row.

The two clubs were set to go head to head in the Championship at the Vitality Stadium at 7.45pm on Friday.

But as winds of up to 78mph battered the south of England, the Cherries were forced to postpone the tie.

And Forest officials said to be 'furious', according to The Telegraph.

With just hours to go before kick off, the Midlands side were already in Bournemouth having travelled down on Thursday night.

Forest are claimed to have suggested the match go ahead on Saturday morning, with Cherries bosses rejecting the offer.

Reporter John Percy tweeted: "Bournemouth v Forest OFF.

"Forest understood to be furious after travelling down last night.

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"They pressed for a decision by this morning at the latest but postponement only just confirmed.

"Forest willing to play Sat morning but Bournemouth declined the offer."

Bournemouth later confirmed they rejected the idea of playing on Saturday as the stadium was damaged and would not have time to fix it before then and will announce a rearranged date in due course.

A club statement read: "Friday’s match between Bournemouth and Nottingham Forest has been postponed for safety reasons following damage to Vitality Stadium caused by Storm Eunice.

"Structural engineers have carried out an inspection of the stadium and have confirmed that the damage could pose a significant risk to supporters’ safety.

"The ongoing impact of the storm means the damage cannot be repaired in time either to fulfil the fixture on Friday, or at a re-arranged time on Saturday.

"The postponement was recommended by the club’s Safety Advisory Group."

The Championship clash is just the latest sporting event hit by brutal Storm Eunice.

Exeter's League Two clash against Barrow set to take place on Saturday has already been axed.

Rugby union and racing have also been affected by one of the worst storms to hit the UK in a generation.

Dunfermline's cinch Championship clash against Partick Thistle on Friday night was also postponed, along with the United Rugby Championship match between Cardiff and Zebre.

Race meetings at Fakenham, Lingfield and Southwell were all called off, with the Met Office issuing the rare red warnings ahead of potentially record-breaking gusts in exposed areas.

The footy cancellations come as Premier League clubs sweat over their travel plans for this weekend's fixtures.

Tottenham, Burnley and Newcastle are among the Premier League heavyweights preparing to ditch planes and jump on BUSES to reach away games on Saturday.

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