England friendly called off

The Football Association have confirmed that England’s friendly against Holland at Wembley has been called off following a third night of violence in London.

The news seemed inevitable with disturbances taking place in places far removed from the area of Tottenham – where the original disquiet arose on Saturday evening.

With the Metropolitan Police unaware of how much further the violence would spread, there was little alternative other than to scrap the contest, for which around 70,000 tickets had been sold.

A brief statement from the FA read: “It is with regret that tomorrow’s international fixture with Holland at Wembley has been called off.”

Bristol City's Carling Cup tie with Swindon at Ashton Gate has also been postponed following trouble in the city overnight.

City chairman Colin Sexstone told the club’s official website: “It’s disappointing but we totally understand the reasons given by the police.

“Clearly the most important factor is people’s safety and these are exceptional circumstances the police are dealing with.”