England’s international friendly with Netherlands, due to be played in Wednesday, is in jeopardy of being called off due to rioting currently taking place in London. Very disappointing scenes of violence and looting have led to two games being cancelled, Tuesday’s games at Charlton and West Ham were called off on police advice.
The FA will be guided by police advice on whether the international fixture should take place on Wednesday. With the 2012 Olympics due to take place in London, this is very bad timing and is sure to lead to requests for security to be strengthened before the events kick-off.
West Ham’s game was the first to be called off, and the club announced on their website: “West Ham United have been asked by the police to postpone the Carling Cup first-round tie with Aldershot Town tomorrow night. The club were contacted this evening and whilst neither the club or police anticipate any issues around the game itself, the club has to comply with the police request. No date has yet been set for the rearranged match but the club will be in contact with the Football League and Aldershot.”
A statement from Aldershot read: “We understand many supporters will be disappointed with this announcement but confirm that the matter is out of the control of both West Ham United and Aldershot Town.”
Charlton’s stadium, The Valley, is close to Lewisham where rioting occurred on Monday. A statement on Charlton’s website read: “Given the events in London, the police have taken the sensible decision and postponed the match at The Valley, with Greenwich Borough Police Commander Richard Wood advising the Addicks at 2255 BST on Monday that the match should be called off on safety grounds.”
