Charlton Athletic boss Johnnie Jackson reacts to AFC Wimbledon statement

Charlton Athletic manager Johnnie Jackson has reacted to AFC Wimbledon chief executive Joe Palmer’s criticism over their Boxing Day game being postponed.

The Dons published an open letter to the EFL demanding tougher measures for clubs who did not fulfil fixtures.

Charlton had been due to head to Plough Lane on Boxing Day. But Covid-19 cases and injuries in the Addicks ranks saw that game not go ahead, along with their December 29 trip to Gillingham.

Palmer was upset that Wimbledon lost home matches against the Addicks and Portsmouth. He said: “Clubs with larger squads will have the upper hand, having been provided the opportunity to take a more relaxed approach knowing there will be no penalties for conduct that sits outside of the protocols.”

Jackson told the South London Press: “I understand their frustration. They didn’t namecheck us – but it was strongely suggested towards us. The Boxing Day game is probably a big game for them – as it is for us. There would have been the revenue of a big London derby for them.

“They were disappointed and so were we that we couldn’t play that game. But that was through no fault of our own that we were not able to fulfil that fixture.

“We wanted to play football over that period and we’re used to doing that. It was something we had prepared for but unforeseen circumstances meant we couldn’t do it.

“It was a shame for them – and for us too. But it is what it is. It was unavoidable – out of our hands.”