• England v Netherlands

England players appeal for calm

Fabio Capello held a training session on Tuesday © Getty Images

Enlarge

Related Links

• News: Spurs stars split on potential match postponements
  
• News: England game off after London riots
  
• News: FA hopes England game can be rearranged
  
• News: Ferdinand and Rooney shocked by riots
  

The England players have appealed for calm, following the cancellation of the friendly with Netherlands on account of the riots in London.

London was hit with widespread unrest for a third evening in a row on Monday night. The FA spoke with police, government officials and Brent Council and the decision was taken that the game had to be called off on safety grounds.

The FA is hopeful of rearranging the game next year, but at the present time the players are focused on current events and have called for an end to the disorder.

Reading a statement for the England players, Club England managing director Adrian Bevington said: "On behalf of the whole squad, we would like to say we are disappointed that the game has been called off but we understand the reason behind this decision and support it.

"We have all seen the terrible pictures on the television and the most important thing at this time is the safety of the fans and the general public.

"At this time the whole squad would like to appeal for calm and an end to this disorder that is ongoing."

Bevington added: "It is fair to say the players have great weight in terms of the impression they have on the youngsters, but it is a very volatile situation and in the brief time we have had it would be unfair to ask the players to dissect the social debate.

"The most important thing we felt in the short time we had, would be a show of unity from the players. It is a strong message from the players and we are grateful for the support they are showing and the maturity in which they are dealing with it."

© ESPN Sports Media Ltd.