England football squad plead for rioters to stop
By Ian Dunt Follow @IanDunt
The England football squad issued a plea for rioters to cease the violence this morning, following the cancellation of the team's game against Holland in Wembley.
The police called on the FA to call off the game after concluding that it could not provide security for such a big event alongside trying to control the ongoing violence in London and other major cities.
"We're disappointed but obviously we understand the reason behind the decision and support it," the England squad said in a statement.
"The most import thing at this time is the safety of fans and the public.
"The whole squad would like to appeal for calm and an end to the disorder that has happened."
FA chairman David Bernstein added: "The FA wishes to make clear it is in complete agreement with the police."
Police are struggling with one of the most severe logistical crises in its history, with all custody suites currently full and all officer leave cancelled.
The opening of the Premier League season is likely to be postponed, with observers deeply uncertain about this weekend's fixture between Tottenham and Everton at White Hart Lane, just a short walk from the original riot on Saturday night.
“And I am not saying bring violence, I am saying the presence of the army may make these kids/people think twice about continuing this??” England footballer Rio Ferdinand said.
“These riots are nuts why would people do this to their own country. Own city. This is embarrassing for our country. Stop please,” Wayne Rooney’s Twitter account said.
Over the next 24 hour period, 16,000 officers will be on duty.
