Olympic chiefs keep faith despite violence
THE International Olympic Committee remain confident London will prove safe and secure hosts of next summer’s Games, despite the riots which have wreaked chaos across the capital since Saturday.
The timing of the clashes could not have been more embarrassingly timed as the violence coincided with the arrivals of two senior members of the IOC co-ordination commission.
News of the violence and disorder has prompted the media in China to raise concerns over London’s suitability to stage the Olympics, but a statement from the IOC allayed any fears.
It read: “Security at the Olympic Games is a top priority for the IOC. It is, however, directly handled by the local authorities, as they know best what is appropriate and proportionate. We are confident they will do a good job in this domain.”
The British Olympic Association endorsed that view, saying: “For a global event such as the Olympic Games, the primary responsibility for security rests with law enforcement authorities, who work closely with the Games Organising Committee and other bodies to ensure every measure is taken to provide a safe environment.
“We know that security has been a top priority in the planning and preparation for London 2012, and we have full confidence in the work being done to prepare for the Games.”
Olympic organisers Locog are intent that it is business as usual and a test event, the beach volleyball, began on Horse Guard’s Parade yesterday. The third Test between England and India at Edgbaston, meanwhile, will go ahead as planned.
EVENTS GOING AHEAD
Premier League
weekend fixtures
The matches due to be staged at Tottenham, Fulham and Queens Park Rangers remain unaffected
Football League
weekend fixtures
The matches at Crystal Palace, Millwall, Watford, Leyton Orient, Barnet and Dagenham are due to go ahead
County Cricket at Lord’s
Middlesex’s matches against Yorkshire and Northants will go ahead but the finish times brought forward
Olympic test events
The beach volleyball at Horse Guard’s parade will continue as planned
EVENTS CANCELLED
England international
Last night’s friendly against Holland at Wembley was called off on police advice
Carling Cup ties
The matches due to take place on Tuesday at West Ham, Charlton and Crystal Palace were postponed
International friendly
The game between Ghana and Nigeria, due to be played at Watford’s Vicarage Road was abandoned