Redknapp fears stalled start

Last updated : 11 August 2011 By Team Talk

This week's rioting in London, as well as subsequent outbreaks around the country, have thrown a number of fixtures into uncertainty ahead of the opening weekend.

Spurs' visit of the Toffees at White Hart Lane is among the games in doubt, with the Premier League set to make a decision over any postponements on Thursday.

England's high-profile friendly match against Holland at Wembley was abandoned earlier this week, as well as several Carling Cup fixtures, and Tottenham boss Redknapp understands that safety is the priority.

But the manager is keeping his fingers crossed that all of this weekend's curtain-raisers can go ahead as scheduled.

Redknapp told The Independent: "Hopefully it will be OK. It is different if all the games are off but there is nothing worse than being left behind at the start of the season.

"We don't want a situation where everyone else has started and we are sat there with no points.

"A lot depends on what happens [overnight]. Then we have to make a decision. If it all quietens down, hopefully things can get back to normal.

"It is very difficult. The police are being used all over the place at the moment. It just depends on how it goes from here. [Last night] is the crucial one. Hopefully it will all settle down. Watching the pictures, some of it has been unbelievable."

He added in The Sun: "I totally understand why they postponed last night's England-Holland international match at Wembley.

"If Tottenham's Premier League match against Everton is to be played on Saturday - along with all the other fixtures - then we cannot afford to have any more problems.

"Equally, if the riots continue, then I would completely respect the decision of the police and other authorities to call the games off."

Source: Team Talk

Source: Team Talk