Phoenix game postponed after quake

The Wellington Phoenix’s match at Westpac Stadium on Saturday has been postponed.

An engineering assessment at the waterfront venue on Tuesday found superficial damage from Monday’s 7.5 magnitude earthquake that would need to be repaired.

Wellington Phoenix general manager David Dome confirmed the Hyundai A-league game against the Melbourne Victory will be rescheduled.

‘‘The safety of everyone is our first priority. With Westpac Stadium confirming it will not be available on Saturday, we are working with our partners at the venue, Melbourne Victory and Football Federation Australia to find an alternative that suits all parties.

‘‘We apologise for the inconvenience this has caused to fans and while football plays an important role in the community, the thoughts of the Phoenix family at this time are with everyone affected by the earthquake.’’

All fans who have purchased a ticket can claim a full refund. All ticket holders will receive an email from Ticketek outlining the refund process.

Fans also have the option to exchange their existing ticket for the re-scheduled fixture at no cost.

The stadium was cleared on any structural damage, but the internal concourse and seating bowl sustained damage that would need to be repaired.

Damage included burst water pipes, concrete cracking and spalling, broken windows and some liquefaction on the stadium ring road.

The repairs are expected to take two weeks to complete.

Stadium chief executive Shane Harmon said public safety was the stadium’s top priority and led to the match being postponed.

‘‘We are disappointed to have to reschedule a sporting event for the first time in the stadium’s history, however there is simply not enough time to complete the repairs required.

‘‘Our engineers have said that the building has performed as expected. The damage is similar in nature to that incurred during the July 2013 earthquake and we’re confident that it can be repaired.’’

Harmon said that the stadium aimed to have the repairs completed well in advance of the Keith Urban/carrie Underwood concert on December 3.

The Phoenix’s game is likely to take place in January or February once a date that suits both sides has been found.

Phoenix coach Ernie Merrick, speaking before the announcement of the postponement, said having the game shifted to next year would be their preferred option.

‘‘To be perfectly honest, a break would be good for us.’’

Merrick took a moment before answering questions to offer support to all those affected by the quake.

‘‘This disaster has affected and shaken all of us. We would certainly like to offer our support to bring some normality back to the region and our sincere condolences go out to the families of those two people that died.

‘‘It puts things in perspective really, it’s only a football game, but our club is here to help and support.’’

The Phoenix’s players, particularly some of their foreign players who have not lived in Wellington for long, and their families had been affected by the quake, he said.

‘‘Some of our new players [have been affected], like Marco Rossi and his fiancee. This is where the wives are affected greatly.

‘‘We’ve got a focus on football, but sometimes it is very tough for wives and families. It’s affected all of us.’’