England game at Wembley postponed

A football match between England and Holland at Wembley was cancelled because every police officer on duty “must be deployed to protect life, our communities and properties”, police said.
By The Newsroom
Published 10th Aug 2011, 07:00 BST

Scotland Yard said the game, which was scheduled to be played tonight, was due to attract 80,000 spectators and would have placed an “additional burden” on officers while riots were likely.

Also cancelled were Carling Cup fixtures involving London clubs West Ham United, Charlton Athletic and Crystal Palace, as well as Bristol City versus Swindon Town.

Hide Ad
Hide Ad

“Over the next 24-hour period, we will have in the region of 16,000 officers on duty,” a Scotland Yard spokesman said. “Our custody suites are full and we are must prioritise processing those prisoners remaining from the 450 arrested to date and tracking down those outstanding.

“As we go through the next few days we will continue to review the level of officers required. We thank the FA and the Dutch FA for their co-operation at this very difficult time.”

The riots have also disrupted London’s transport network, shutting stations and closing roads.