EDL 'Helping' Manchester United's Premier League Chances, Thanked For Bringing Friday Night Football Forward

How The EDL Is Helping Manchester United Win The Premier League
|

The English Defence League is being thanked for bringing Friday night football forward, and it has been suggested that in doing so they may be giving Manchester United's Champions League campaign a helpful kick forward.

United's Premier League match against Aston Villa was moved to Friday at the request of police because the EDL is hosting a march in Walsall on Saturday, protesting against the town becoming a "hotbed for Islamic terrorism" and inaction over Muslim "child abuse gangs".

In March a report revealed that almost 500 children across the West Midlands were victims of, or vulnerable to, sexual exploitation in the first half of last year. It found some children were trafficked by gangs and often passed between offenders and that a "disproportionate" number of men from Asian Pakistani backgrounds were suspected of being involved.

The re-scheduling, it has been suggested, means United will have an extra day to recover before their Champions League play-off first-leg against Club Brugge on Tuesday, boosting their chances of victory.

Open Image Modal

The English Defence League, seen above during a march in Newcastle, have caused a Premier League football match to be rescheduled because police would be too busy at a demonstration they are holding in Walsall

The match was originally billed as Sky’s Saturday Night Football 5.30pm fixture. Because United are also playing on Tuesday, the game could not have been put off until Sunday. There are no other Friday night fixtures this season but 10 are scheduled for the 2016-2017 season.

A Premier League statement said: “A Saturday 5.30pm kick-off was initially suggested for this match and West Midlands police confirmed that, under normal circumstances, that would be acceptable.

“However, due to a planned English Defence League march that will take place in the region on Saturday 15 August, and will require police resource, they requested that the Premier League consider avoiding scheduling the match on that date. Manchester United’s participation in the Champions League, and a potential European match the following Tuesday, means that a Sunday slot could not be scheduled with any certainty.”

About 200 EDL supporters are expected to take part in the march while at the same time local community groups are reportedly going to stage a celebration of diversity outside St Paul's church.

An EDL March in Walsall in September 2012 resulted in 30 arrests.

The Birmingham Mail quotes West Midlands Police as saying it will be "business as usual" in the town on Saturday, with EDL members assuring them of a peaceful protest.

Open Image Modal

Manchester United, it has been suggested, will benefit from the rescheduling as they will get an extra day of rest before their next fixture

Chief Insp Martin Hurcomb, of Walsall Police, told the newspaper that a lot had changed since 2012 and police now had much better links with protest groups, "negotiations have really matured".

However, he added: “Make no mistake that if we do witness any incidents of violence we will act swiftly to nip it in the bud and push for prosecutions against offenders."

Story continues below

English Defence League protests
Britain Far Right Protest(01 of48)
Open Image Modal
Members of the English Defence League far right group burn a piece of cloth that had Arabic writing on it as they take part in a protest outside the Houses of Parliament in London, Saturday, Oct. 27, 2012. (AP Photo/Matt Dunham) (credit:Matt Dunham/AP)
Britain Far Right Protest(02 of48)
Open Image Modal
A member of the English Defence League far right group has his tattoo displayed for media cameras during a protest outside the Houses of Parliament in London, Saturday, Oct. 27, 2012. (AP Photo/Matt Dunham) (credit:Matt Dunham/AP)
Drummer Lee Rigby murder(03 of48)
Open Image Modal
English Defence League leader Tommy Robinson (left) with EDL supporters outside The Queens Arms pub in Woolwich following the death of a man, believed to be a serving soldier, who was butchered in broad daylight near the Royal Artillery Barracks in Woolwich, London. (credit:Neil Lancefield/PA Archive)
EDL march in Newcastle(04 of48)
Open Image Modal
People taking part in the English Defence League march in Newcastle. (credit:Jonathan Pow/PA Archive)
EDL march in Newcastle(05 of48)
Open Image Modal
NOTE HAND GESTUREPeople taking part in the English Defence League march in Newcastle. (credit:Jonathan Pow/PA Archive)
EDL march in Newcastle(06 of48)
Open Image Modal
NOTE HAND GESTUREPeople taking part in the English Defence League march in Newcastle. (credit:Jonathan Pow/PA Archive)
EDL march in Newcastle(07 of48)
Open Image Modal
NOTE HAND GESTURESPeople taking part in the English Defence League march in Newcastle. (credit:Jonathan Pow/PA Archive)
EDL march in Newcastle(08 of48)
Open Image Modal
People taking part in the English Defence League march in Newcastle. (credit:Jonathan Pow/PA Archive)
EDL march in Newcastle(09 of48)
Open Image Modal
Bud, the police horse who was punched when Newcastle United fans fought with officers in the city following their 3-0 defeat to arch rivals Sunderland last month, on patrol during the English Defence League march in Newcastle. (credit:Jonathan Pow/PA Archive)
EDL march in Newcastle(10 of48)
Open Image Modal
People taking part in the English Defence League march in Newcastle. (credit:Jonathan Pow/PA Archive)
EDL march in Newcastle(11 of48)
Open Image Modal
People taking part in the English Defence League march in Newcastle. (credit:Jonathan Pow/PA Archive)
EDL march in Newcastle(12 of48)
Open Image Modal
People taking part in the English Defence League march in Newcastle. (credit:Jonathan Pow/PA Archive)
EDL march in Newcastle(13 of48)
Open Image Modal
People taking part in the English Defence League march in Newcastle. (credit:Jonathan Pow/PA Archive)
Drummer Lee Rigby murder(14 of48)
Open Image Modal
Members of the EDL lay a wreath during a march in Leeds, West Yorkshire. (credit:Lynne Cameron/PA Archive)
Drummer Lee Rigby murder(15 of48)
Open Image Modal
EDITORS NOTE GESTURE: Members of the EDL during a march in Leeds, West Yorkshire. (credit:Lynne Cameron/PA Archive)
Drummer Lee Rigby murder(16 of48)
Open Image Modal
Members of the EDL clash with anti-fascist supporters after march in Leeds, West Yorkshire. (credit:Lynne Cameron/PA Archive)
Drummer Lee Rigby murder(17 of48)
Open Image Modal
Members of the EDL lay a wreath during a march in Leeds, West Yorkshire. (credit:Lynne Cameron/PA Archive)
Drummer Lee Rigby murder(18 of48)
Open Image Modal
Members of the EDL clash with anti-fascist supporters after march in Leeds, West Yorkshire. (credit:Lynne Cameron/PA Archive)
EDL rally terror plot(19 of48)
Open Image Modal
An English Defence League supporter outside the Old Bailey in central London, as six Islamic extremists are sentenced for plotting a deadly attack on an EDL rally. (credit:Gareth Fuller/PA Archive)
EDL rally terror plot(20 of48)
Open Image Modal
English Defence League leader Tommy Robinson (right) with English Defence League supporters outside the Old Bailey in central London, as six Islamic extremists are sentenced for plotting a deadly attack on an EDL rally. (credit:Gareth Fuller/PA Archive)
EDL rally terror plot(21 of48)
Open Image Modal
English Defence League leader Tommy Robinson with supporters outside the Old Bailey in central London, as six Islamic extremists are sentenced for plotting a deadly attack on an EDL rally. (credit:Gareth Fuller/PA Archive)
Newsworthy(22 of48)
Open Image Modal
English defence league protest in Leicester Square London England 21st March 2015 time 14.12 (credit:tijen mazhar via Getty Images)
BRITAIN GEERT WILDERS PROTEST(23 of48)
Open Image Modal
Anti-fascist protesters march outside the Houses of Parliament in a counter protest against the English Defence League who are marching in support of Dutch MP Geert Wilders visiting the House of Lords, London, Friday, March 5, 2010. (AP Photo/Sang Tan) (credit:ASSOCIATED PRESS)
BRITAIN GEERT WILDERS PROTEST(24 of48)
Open Image Modal
Anti-fascist protesters sit on the road outside the Houses of Parliament prevented by police to go on further in a counter protest against the English Defence League who are marching in support of Dutch MP Geert Wilders visiting the House of Lords, London, Friday, March 5, 2010. (AP Photo/Sang Tan) (credit:ASSOCIATED PRESS)
BRITAIN GEERT WILDERS PROTEST(25 of48)
Open Image Modal
Anti-fascist protesters are prevented by police from going further outside the Houses of Parliament in a counter protest against the English Defence League who are marching in support of Dutch MP Geert Wilders visiting the House of Lords, London, Friday, March 5, 2010. (AP Photo/Sang Tan) (credit:ASSOCIATED PRESS)
Britain Anti Islam Politician(26 of48)
Open Image Modal
A supporter of the English Defence League (EDL) is lifted up in reaction to anti-fascist demonstrators protesting across the street against the visit of controversial Dutch politician Geert Wilders in London, Friday, March 5, 2010. Anti-fascist demonstrators scuffled with police Friday in a protest against Dutch politician Geert Wilders, who brought his film denouncing Islam and the Quran to Britain's august House of Lords. (AP Photo/Matt Dunham) (credit:ASSOCIATED PRESS)
APTOPIX BRITAIN GEERT WILDERS PROTEST(27 of48)
Open Image Modal
Supporters of English Defence League march to the Houses of Parliament in support of right wing Dutch MP Geert Wilders who is visiting the House of Lords, in London, Friday, March 5, 2010. (AP Photo/Sang Tan) (credit:ASSOCIATED PRESS)
Britain Anti-Islam Politician(28 of48)
Open Image Modal
Anti-fascist demonstrators react to supporters of the English Defence League (EDL) across the street gathering in support of the visit of controversial Dutch politician Geert Wilders in London, Friday, March 5, 2010. Anti-fascist demonstrators scuffled with police Friday in a protest against Dutch politician Geert Wilders, who brought his film denouncing Islam and the Quran to Britain's august House of Lords. (AP Photo/Matt Dunham) (credit:ASSOCIATED PRESS)
Britain EDL Protest(29 of48)
Open Image Modal
English Defence League supporters protest outside Downing Street in London in support of the British armed forces, after the brutal killing of an off-duty British soldier in a London street last week, Monday, May 27, 2013. (AP Photo/Sang Tan) (credit:ASSOCIATED PRESS)
Britain EDL Protest(30 of48)
Open Image Modal
English Defence League supporters scuffle with United Against Facism supporters at Whitehall as EDL supporters march to Downing Street in London to protest in support of the British armed forces, after the brutal killing of an off-duty British soldier in a London street last week, Monday, May 27, 2013. (AP Photo/Sang Tan) (credit:ASSOCIATED PRESS)
Britain EDL Protest(31 of48)
Open Image Modal
English Defence League supporters protest outside Downing Street in London in support of the British armed forces, after the brutal killing of an off-duty British soldier in a London street last week, Monday, May 27, 2013. (AP Photo/Sang Tan) (credit:ASSOCIATED PRESS)
Netherlands Far Right(32 of48)
Open Image Modal
A member of the far-right English Defence League speaks during a protest in Amsterdam, The Netherlands, Saturday, Oct. 30, 2010. The group says it is demonstrating in support of Dutch anti-Islam lawmaker Geert Wilders, but Wilders says he has no link or contact with the group. Amsterdam Mayor Eberhard van der Laan has banished the EDL demonstration and an anti-racism demonstration to opposite corners of the city in hopes of avoiding a confrontation. Separately, hardcore supporters of Amsterdam's Ajax football team have posted a call on their website to oppose the EDL demonstration. (AP Photo/Bas Czerwinski) . (credit:ASSOCIATED PRESS)
Netherlands Far Right(33 of48)
Open Image Modal
Members of the far-right English Defence League protesti in Amsterdam, The Netherlands, Saturday, Oct. 30, 2010. The group says it is demonstrating in support of Dutch anti-Islam lawmaker Geert Wilders, but Wilders says he has no link or contact with the group. Amsterdam Mayor Eberhard van der Laan has banished the EDL demonstration and an anti-racism demonstration to opposite corners of the city in hopes of avoiding a confrontation. Separately, hardcore supporters of Amsterdam's Ajax football team have posted a call on their website to oppose the EDL demonstration. (AP Photo/Bas Czerwinski) . (credit:ASSOCIATED PRESS)
Britain Bin Laden Protest(34 of48)
Open Image Modal
Police officers try to keep apart a supporter of the right-wing English Defence League, left, from pro-bin Laden supporters marching to the U.S. Embassy in London to protest against the killing of Al-Qaida leader Osama Bin Laden by U.S.'s special force in Pakistan, Friday, May 6, 2011. (AP Photo/Sang Tan) (credit:ASSOCIATED PRESS)
Britain Bin Laden Protest(35 of48)
Open Image Modal
A British police officer restrains a supporter of English Defense League from approaching the pro-bin Laden supporters marching to the U.S. Embassy in London to protest against the killing of Al-Qaida leader Osama Bin Laden by U.S.'s special force in Pakistan, Friday, May 6, 2011. (AP Photo/Sang Tan) (credit:ASSOCIATED PRESS)
Britain Bin Laden Protest(36 of48)
Open Image Modal
A supporter of English Defense League holds a banner in a counter demonstration to pro-bin Laden supporters protesting outside U.S. Embassy in London against the killing of Al-Qaida leader Osama Bin Laden by U.S.'s special force in Pakistan, Friday, May 6, 2011. (AP Photo/Sang Tan) (credit:ASSOCIATED PRESS)
After Bin Laden(37 of48)
Open Image Modal
FILE - In this May 6, 2011 file photo, police officers try to restrain pro-bin Laden supporters, marching to the U.S. Embassy in London to protest against the killing of Al-Qaida leader Osama Bin Laden by U.S.' special force in Pakistan, from supporters of the right-wing English Defense League. After an extraordinary week of events in the United States and abroad, one thing is clear: Osama bin Laden's death at the hands of American forces has the potential to ripple out into global affairs in countless ways _ political and military, diplomatic and cultural, and of course national security in the United States. (AP Photo/Sang Tan, File) (credit:ASSOCIATED PRESS)
Britain Bin Laden Protest(38 of48)
Open Image Modal
A supporter of the right-wing English Defence League is led away by police, during a a counter demonstration against a pro-bin Laden protest led by radical cleric Anjem Choudary, outside the US Embassy in London, Friday, May 6, 2011. (AP Photo/Kirsty Wigglesworth) (credit:ASSOCIATED PRESS)
Britain Far Right Protest(39 of48)
Open Image Modal
Members of the English Defense League gather for a rally in London, Saturday Sept. 3, 2011. Some of the far-right protesters have clashed with police during the demonstration held despite a ban on marches in six parts of Britain's capital. But hundreds of members went ahead with a so-called "static demonstration" in the Tower Hamlets area. Some threw bottles and scuffled with police officers surrounding them to keep control. The English Defense League insists it is a peaceful organization opposing Islamist extremism. But its past protests have often resulted in violence.(AP Photo/Lefteris Pitarakis) (credit:ASSOCIATED PRESS)
Britain Far Right Protest(40 of48)
Open Image Modal
Members of the English Defense League gather for a rally in London, Saturday, Sept. 3, 2011. Some of the far-right protesters have clashed with police during the demonstration held despite a ban on marches in six parts of Britain's capital. Hundreds of EDL members went ahead with a so-called "static demonstration" in the Tower Hamlets area and some threw bottles and scuffled with police officers surrounding them to keep control. The English Defense League insists it is a peaceful organization opposing Islamist extremism, but its past protests have often resulted in violence. (AP Photo/Lefteris Pitarakis) (credit:ASSOCIATED PRESS)
Britain Far Right Protest(41 of48)
Open Image Modal
British police officers walk in a front of a march by members of the English Defense League, not seen, as they cross the iconic Tower Bridge in London, Saturday, Sept. 3, 2011. Some of the far-right protesters have clashed with police during the demonstration held despite a ban on marches in six parts of Britain's capital. Hundreds of EDL members went ahead with a so-called "static demonstration" in the Tower Hamlets area and some threw bottles and scuffled with police officers surrounding them to keep control. The English Defense League insists it is a peaceful organization opposing Islamist extremism, but its past protests have often resulted in violence. (AP Photo/Lefteris Pitarakis) (credit:ASSOCIATED PRESS)
Britain Far Right Protest(42 of48)
Open Image Modal
Under the watchful eye of mounted British police officers members of the English Defense League march on the iconic Tower Bridge in London, Saturday, Sept. 3, 2011. Some of the far-right protesters have clashed with police during the demonstration held despite a ban on marches in six parts of Britain's capital. Hundreds of EDL members went ahead with a so-called "static demonstration" in the Tower Hamlets area and some threw bottles and scuffled with police officers surrounding them to keep control. The English Defense League insists it is a peaceful organization opposing Islamist extremism, but its past protests have often resulted in violence. (AP Photo/Lefteris Pitarakis) (credit:ASSOCIATED PRESS)
Britain Far Right Protest(43 of48)
Open Image Modal
Under the watchful eye of British police officers, foreground, members of the English Defense League chant slogans as they march in London, Saturday, Sept. 3, 2011. Some of the far-right protesters have clashed with police during the demonstration held despite a ban on marches in six parts of Britain's capital. Hundreds of EDL members went ahead with a so-called "static demonstration" in the Tower Hamlets area and some threw bottles and scuffled with police officers surrounding them to keep control. The English Defense League insists it is a peaceful organization opposing Islamist extremism, but its past protests have often resulted in violence. (AP Photo/Lefteris Pitarakis) (credit:ASSOCIATED PRESS)
Britain Far Right Protest(44 of48)
Open Image Modal
British police officers scuffle with members of the English Defense League in London, Saturday, Sept. 3, 2011. Some of the far-right protesters have clashed with police during the demonstration held despite a ban on marches in six parts of Britain's capital. Hundreds of EDL members went ahead with a so-called "static demonstration" in the Tower Hamlets area and some threw bottles and scuffled with police officers surrounding them to keep control. The English Defense League insists it is a peaceful organization opposing Islamist extremism, but its past protests have often resulted in violence. (AP Photo/Lefteris Pitarakis) (credit:ASSOCIATED PRESS)
Britain Far Right Protest(45 of48)
Open Image Modal
Mounted British police officers follow a march, not seen, by members of the English Defense League in London, Saturday, Sept. 3, 2011. Some of the far-right protesters have clashed with police during the demonstration held despite a ban on marches in six parts of Britain's capital. Hundreds of EDL members went ahead with a so-called "static demonstration" in the Tower Hamlets area and some threw bottles and scuffled with police officers surrounding them to keep control. The English Defense League insists it is a peaceful organization opposing Islamist extremism, but its past protests have often resulted in violence. (AP Photo/Lefteris Pitarakis) (credit:ASSOCIATED PRESS)
English Defence League reorganisation(46 of48)
Open Image Modal
(left to right) Usama Hasan of the Quilliam Foundation, English Defence League (EDL) leader Tommy Robinson and Maajid Nawaz of the Quilliam Foundation, during a press conference at the Montague Hotel, central London, as Robinson announced that he is to stand down from the EDL under the guidance of the Quilliam foundation. (credit:Nick Ansell/PA Archive)
Britain EDL(47 of48)
Open Image Modal
Tommy Robinson, left, the former leader of the far-right EDL "English Defence League" group walks past police officers as he leaves after an appearance at Westminster Magistrates Court in London, Wednesday, Oct. 16, 2013. Robinson, whose real name is Stephen Yaxley-Lennon, was arrested on June 29, accused of obstructing police by trying to defy a ban on marching to the scene of Fusilier Lee Rigby's murder via the East London. (AP Photo/Matt Dunham) (credit:Matt Dunham/AP)
George Galloway in Belfast(48 of48)
Open Image Modal
An English Defence League flag on display as Respect MP George Galloway arrives to give a speech at the Ulster Hall in Belfast as part of a book promotion tour. (credit:Niall Carson/PA Archive)

West Midlands Police and Crime Commissioner David Jamieson said that Walsall was a "diverse borough in which people from different backgrounds and cultures get on and work together".

He added: “In the West Midlands we respect the values of each other and the right that we all have to worship freely in whichever way we chose."

According to an EDL media briefing about the march, Walsall has become a "hotbed for Islamic terrorism" and the protest is against "official cover-ups of child abuse" by Muslims, and the Muslim community's "inaction about the abuse".

The group also claim there are a growing number of "Muslim-only no-go areas" in the town.

The briefing ends by saying the EDL "refuse to resort to racism". Shortly before the statement claims Islam "could be the fountainhead of rape gangs, misogyny, violent jihad, the London bombings, intolerance and killing homosexuals and apostates".