Arsenal v Tottenham: ‘Plans in place’ for North London derby abandonment
Keith Hackett says security plans will already be in place ahead of the Arsenal versus Tottenham match amid the latest weather update.
Spurs make the short trip to North London rivals Arsenal on Wednesday (15 January) and know a vast improvement is needed after the 3-0 extra-time win over non-league Tamworth.
As per the latest Met Office update [15 January], light winds and light drizzle can be expected in the capital, as well as a chance of mist and fog forming in places.
The weather is unlikely to have any major impact on the game unless conditions deteriorate, but former PGMOL chief Hackett says certain protocols will be followed.
“The potential of either an abandonment of a game, or failing to finish a match if it has started, will have been built into the security planning that takes place several days before an event,” Hackett exclusively told Tottenham News.
“There will be an 8-10 hour countdown clock at which schedules are in place. Those schedules include stewards and services, catering and all the allied services and staff, many of whom are part-time.
“The media start a couple of days out to prepare and position television cameras and broadcast equipment. You then have the thousands of fans both home and away.
“These are also part of that strategy meeting to determine security risks. The police, ambulance and fire brigade are also part of the planning, as are Transport for London, who position security at stations and on trains.
“Fog is a particular problem so the referee will be at the stadium early to monitor and to talk to the local weather service so that if they make a decision not to go ahead with the game, it is made early and avoids unnecessary costs for fans.
“In the major event of abandoning a game during the match, the referee liaises with the stadium security and the main police superintendent. Sufficient time must be given for exit doors and the safe exits from the stadium.
“One of the officials will stand at the top of the stand behind one goal, with a colleague standing in the opposite goal. If he can see his colleague, the game will go ahead as planned.”
Tottenham in need of positive display against Arsenal
Assuming the fog is not too bad and the game is played as expected, it is truly a massive occasion for under-fire manager Ange Postecoglou.
Last week’s EFL Cup semi-final first-leg win against Liverpool was a huge boost, but the performance against Tamworth really was terrible.
It is too often a case of one step forward and two steps back for the Australian, but a victory on enemy territory would certainly win him an awful lot of supporter from the fanbase.
Opposite number Mikel Arteta is also under pressure, so this really is a fascinating contest in what should be a thriller.
In other Tottenham news, Eddie Howe is a shock contender to replace Postecoglou.
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