London riots could threaten English Premier League opener

France international defender Younes Kaboul expressed his fear on Monday that riots in London could force the postponement of his side Spurs' opening Premier League game.

Trouble broke out close to White Hart Lane, where Tottenham are due to face Everton on Saturday, and, while the club expect the game to go ahead, Kaboul admitted that he was worried.

"I was very surprised (by the rioting), the riots took place near the stadium," said Kaboul.

"We don't know whether we will play (the opening match), it (the situation) has become pretty serious.

"The supporters' security is the priority and if that becomes too dangerous it would be better to postpone the match.

"Of course it is a little annoying for the players but safety is paramount."

Riots broke out in the Tottenham district of north London, following a protest against the death of a local man in a police shooting last week.

Mark Duggan, a father-of-four, was shot in a taxi in what was initially said to have been an exchange of gunfire. But media reports said ballistics tests now appear to show that police officers were not under attack when they opened fire.

Hooded youths torched police cars and a double-decker bus in Tottenham while a block of flats was gutted after the carpet store on the ground floor was set alight, sending terrified families fleeing into the street.

The violence spread to other parts of the city on Sunday.

The worst-hit districts - Tottenham, Brixton in south London, and now Hackney - are multi-ethnic areas which have high rates of unemployment.