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Gomes admits Spurs players are living in fear

Heurelho Gomes believes the police are beginning to gain some control over the riots © PA Photos

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Tottenham goalkeeper Heurelho Gomes claims the rioting which has hit London has left the squad "living in fear", while team-mate Roman Pavlyuchenko has banned his wife from returning to England.

The violent scenes and looting in the capital city appear to have been quelled by a large police presence over the last two nights, but the disturbances which began in the Tottenham area on Saturday have been followed by similar scenes in cities including Manchester, Liverpool and Birmingham.

Gomes, based in Chigwell, has stayed away from the affected areas, and told Brazilian football website globoesporte.com: "There is fear in the squad. We've spoken in the dressing room and the club have told us to stay home and avoid the streets. My home is about 20 minutes from the centre of the riots and that is a danger."

Gomes explained how he has spoken to Chelsea players David Luiz and Alex, both fellow Brazilians, about the disorder.

"We talk to know what's going on. The subject is usually the fact that people think that this only happens in Brazil, these episodes of violence, they think they are safe in England,'' Gomes said. "But the truth is that you are not relaxed anywhere in the world anymore.''

Gomes believes police and politicians are making positive steps towards making the streets safe again, and hopes there is little impact on the start of the Premier League season, due to get underway on Saturday. Tottenham have a scheduled home game against Everton, which could be postponed to a later date.

Gomes said: "The police have no way to give the necessary security yet, but will soon.''

Meanwhile, Gomes' Russian team-mate Pavlyuchneko has banned his wife from coming back to Britain. Larisa Pavlyuchenko, 29, and four-year-old daughter Kristina were with him for Russia's friendly win over Serbia in Moscow on Wednesday and will not be returning to London as expected.

The Spurs striker told the Daily Mirror: "I know about the situation in London. With the atmosphere remaining hot, I don't think we should all return as we planned."

© ESPN Sports Media Ltd.