The opening matches of the Premiership season, particularly those in London, are at risk following the riots across the country. It is not that the matches themselves are seen as a risk, but substantial (possibly excessive?) police resources are deployed to them and they are likely to be needed elsewhere, if only on standby.
The opening matches of the Premiership season, particularly those in London, are at risk following the riots across the country. It is not that the matches themselves are seen as a risk, but substantial (possibly excessive?) police resources are deployed to them and they are likely to be needed elsewhere, if only on standby.
Although there have been disturbances in Birmingham, Manchester and Liverpool, it is thought that the London matches are at greatest risk of postponement. Tottenham are due to play Everton on Saturday and a ticket office at White Hart Lane was damaged following the first outbreak of violence last weekend. Queens Park Rangers face Bolton in their opening Premiership fixture and Aston Villa visit Fulham. There are also Football League matches at Millwall, Crystal Palace near riot torn Croydon, Leyton Orient and Dagenham & Redbridge.
The postponement of tonight’s international friendly at Wembley will cost the Football Association £2m in refunded tickets plus compensation to the Dutch FA.