England-Holland Wembley friendly in doubt

England's international football friendly against the Netherlands has been called off after violent unrest in London, the Football Association confirmed on Tuesday.

A third night of violence was seen in the capital on Monday.

Earlier, the FA’s Club England managing director Adrian Bevington confirmed early on Tuesday that he was heading to Wembley for meetings but, with the Carling Cup ties at West Ham and Charlton already postponed, England’s match is in serious doubt.

Bevington said on Twitter: “Deplorable scenes of disorder once more - heading into Wembley now for meetings.”

The Dutch squad are not due to arrive England until midday but they are unlikely to travel until there is confirmation of the game going ahead.

England defender Rio Ferdinand has expressed shock at the rioting which has escalated in London and spread to other cities.

He wrote in three consecutive messages on Twitter after watching the scenes on Monday night: “The scenes on Sky news right now are shocking..what is this all in aid of?? Innocent peoples [sic] homes + livelihoods have gone up in smoke-why?

“It seems these kids/people have no fear or respect for the police....maybe the army will get that respect??

“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??”

Ferdinand’s England and Manchester United team-mate Wayne Rooney pleaded for the trouble to stop.

Rooney wrote on Twitter: “These riots are nuts why would people do this to there [sic] own country. Own city. This is embarrassing for our country. Stop please.”

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