• Interntational football

England game off after London riots

ESPN staff
August 9, 2011
Police patrol the streets © Getty Images
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England's friendly with Netherlands on Wednesday has been called off on account of the riots that have swept through London.

A third night of violence on Monday left areas of London in tatters and prompted a meeting between FA and police with regard to the game with the Dutch.

The FA took advice from police and accepted that the best course of action was to call the game off.

"It is with regret that tomorrow's (Wednesday 10 August) international fixture with Holland at Wembley has been called off," read a brief statement on the FA's website.

"Following the events in Greater London, the FA has held talks with the Metropolitan Police, the government and Brent Council. We have received clear advice that due to the sporadic and widespread nature of the unrest, there were concerns over the available emergency service resource to safely police this fixture.

"In light of these concerns, the authorities have advised us under the terms of our safety certificate that we are unable to host the fixture of guarantee the safety of visiting supporters or the teams. For these reasons the game cannot go ahead."

Carling Cup games have also fallen victim to the escalating violence, with games at Charlton, West Ham, Crystal Palace and Bristol City called off.

© ESPN Sports Media Ltd.
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