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Breaking News: London violence forces cancelation of EPL opener Spurs vs Everton

Angela Asante, August 11 2011,
The English Premier League has succumbed to the power of rioters in London as Tottenham vs Everton has been called off. Like 5 other matches, this one was scheduled for an afternoon kick-off on Saturday.
How could Tottenham Hotspur vs Everton go on with all the violence that has rocked London?
How could Tottenham Hotspur vs Everton go on with all the violence that has rocked London?
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As confirmed through the fixtures list, London-based club Tottenham Hotspur had been ordained to open the 2011/12 English Premier League season with a match at White Hart Lane against Liverpool’s local rivals Everton. But after assessing the level of violence which has rocked England’s capital, the English FA have decided to cancel the encounter as police men struggle to provide security in the streets. Spurs confirmed the news on their website with a statement which 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 the infrastructure of the High Road and access to the stadium caused by last Saturday's riots.

“We apologize 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.”

Echoing the sadness of a multitude of football fans, Tottenham Hotspur defender Michael Dawson was quoted as saying by The Telegraph:

“Of course it is [disappointing]. We've worked for six weeks trying to get fit and now the first week's not going to be happening for us. But safety is the main thing, and the police wouldn't have called it off lightly.”

Football fans fear that more English Premier League matches will be called off following the cancelations of a few Carling Cup games as well as the England vs Netherlands friendly earlier this week. But Richard Scudamore, the Premier League’s chief executive, prefers to remain optimistic. Scudamore explained the issue, saying as The Telegraph reported:

“The very latest situation is that Tottenham and Everton has gone. The police have done a fantastic job, but it's been a crime scene all week and the council have not had enough time to do what they need.

“The other nine fixtures are looking positive, subject to any more trouble. At 6pm tonight, we will have a very clear picture. The Tottenham game is a real shame but we support the police in what they are doing.”

Tottenham Hotspur vs Everton

Date: Saturday, 13 Aug 2011
Time: 01:24 ( US/Eastern )
Competition: England Premier League
Live/Repeat: Live
Venue: White Hart Lane (London)

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