Panic on the streets of London: Aldershot game vetoed

West Ham have been forced to cancel tomorrow night's Carling Cup tie with Aldershot.

The first round tie would have given Sam Allardyce the opportunity to run the rule over some of the fringe members of his first team squad.

However due to Police advice, United have postponed the game as a result of the continuing outbursts of petty thieving and general lawlessness that have erupted in and around London during the past 72 hours.

The club confirmed tonight that they had little alternative but to comply with the police request. "We were contacted this evening and told that all major public events in London were to be rearranged because of the need to focus police resources elsewhere," read an update on whufc.com

"Whilst neither the club or police anticipate any issues around the game itself, the club has to comply with the police request. No date has yet been set for the rearranged match, but the club will be in contact with the Football League and Aldershot."