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Spurs game off as all other Premier League fixtures go ahead

Harry Redknapp will have to wait for Tottenham's first game of the new season © Getty Images

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The Premier League have confirmed that Tottenham's home game against Everton is the only fixture to be postponed as a result of rioting in the UK, the remaining nine matches of the opening weekend will go ahead.

Spurs were due to play at White Hart Lane on Saturday but police are unable to hand back Tottenham High Street, were some of the first disturbances took place, to the council until Friday night and Premier League chief executive Richard Scudamore confirmed no safety certificate would be granted for the game.

"It's a regret... a real shame," he said.

A statement on Tottenham's website read: ''Following ongoing discussions with the necessary authorities regarding this weekend's Premier League home match against Everton, it has now been confirmed that this fixture will be postponed due to safety concerns relating to infrastructure of the High Road and access to the stadium caused by last Saturday's riots.

''We apologise for any inconvenience caused to supporters due to matters outside of the control of the club. We shall update fans on when this fixture will be rearranged in due course.''

Meanwhile, Everton captain Phil Neville said he was hugely disappointed that the game had been called off but acknowledged it was the correct decision.

Neville tweeted: "I'm in depression now-trained for 6 weeks for saturday's game I know its 100% the right decision but I'm going to sulk all day!!!"

The Football League had confirmed that all League games in London and around the rest of England would go ahead as scheduled this weekend - although the League Two encounter between Cheltenham Town and Swindon was subsequently postponed on the advice of police.

A statement read: "The Football League has worked closely with the authorities and London-based clubs throughout the recent civil unrest to ensure matches are staged in accordance with supporter safety."

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