Tottenham's game against Crystal Palace to go ahead despite fears over Mark Duggan vigil nearby

 
Go ahead: Spurs game against Crystal Palace will not be postponed
Robin de Peyer10 January 2014

Tottenham Hotspur's match against Crystal Palace is to go ahead on Saturday despite fears of disorder at a planned vigil for Mark Duggan.

The club announced it would be working with the Metropolitan Police to ensure fans' safety on Saturday afternoon.

People are due to gather at Tottenham police station, near White Hart Lane, to remember Mark Duggan after a jury found this week that he had been lawfully killed when he was shot by police in August 2011.

The shooting sparked widespread rioting, and Scotland Yard confirmed contingency plans are in place to ensure the vigil does not erupt in violence when it is held from 2pm on Saturday.

Spurs take on Crystal Palace in a Premiership game just an hour after the gathering is due to begin, prompting speculation that the match could be postponed.

But Tottenham confirmed on Twitter today: "Contrary to reports there are no plans to call off tomorrow's game vs Palace with the Duggan vigil scheduled for 2pm in Tottenham.

"The club is in contact with the Met Police and will provide further updates as and when they become available."

Police chiefs were due to meet representatives of Mark Duggan's family today, and Scotland Yard confirmed extra officers will be on duty in the area during the vigil.

Haringey borough police commander Victor Olisa said: "We have done lots of planning to make sure we do not get anywhere near the situation we had two and half years ago. We are having discussions with members of the family today to make sure that it is safe for people to turn up the vigil. The plan is for the family to achieve what they want which is a positive legacy for the tragic death of Mark Duggan.

"The family want a peaceful vigil and the people and businesses of Tottenham do not want their lives disrupted. We all want the same thing."

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