A heightened Metropolitan Police presence is expected in London this weekend – with a football fixtures pile up and a right-wing rally raising fears of crowd violence in the city.
In the Premier League, Brentford play Chelsea at 20:00 and West Ham host fierce rivals Tottenham at 17:30.
But earlier that afternoon, Charlton host Millwall in the Championship at 12:30, meaning six sets of rival London fans will be travelling across the city throughout the day.
And in addition to the three all-London games, Arsenal, Fulham, and Crystal Palace are all scheduled to be at home on Saturday, September 13th.
This means as many as 12 sets of fans from the top two divisions of English football will descend upon London at once.
As a result, fears are growing of possible fan violence and crowd trouble, especially on public transport.
And to make matters worse, there’s another major event planned in London that afternoon.
Political activist Tommy Robinson has organised a ‘free speech rally’ in the city, calling for crowds and free speech advocates to gather.
With so much going on, the Met will have a lot on its plate, leading to concerns it may struggle to tackle any disorder.
Metropolitan Police Say Discussions Are Ongoing Over London Football Fixtures
When contacted regarding the extreme fixture congestion on 13 September, the Met gave limited information to Sportscasting.
“Conversations with clubs are ongoing,” said a spokesperson.
“We have ongoing engagement with clubs ahead of and throughout the season, and those discussions continue.”
London Football Clubs’ Fixture Congestion Set To Cause Chaos
With so many groups of rival fans in the same city on one day, expect extreme crowds and travel chaos.
As well as supporters of the nine London-based clubs, Nottingham Forest, Sunderland and Leeds United fans will all be heading down to the capital en masse to support their teams.
Looking further down the football pyramid, League One clubs AFC Wimbledon and Leyton Orient also play at home.
With a police presence needed at every game, the Met’s resources will be stretched far more than usual.
Heading into the new season, there are also two London sides – Arsenal and Chelsea – featuring highly in the Premier League outright market with the best football sites in the UK.
Sky Sports TV Fixtures Could Create Further Police Problems
Unsurprisingly, several of the London derbies have been to be selected for TV coverage by Sky Sports.
Charlton and Millwall’s game is confirmed for a 12:30 kick off.
But while it was scheduled for 15:00, West Ham Vs Tottenham has been moved to 17:30, with Brentford Vs Chelsea at 20:00.
This means that fans of rival London teams will be travelling across the city from early morning until late into the night.
And with four other Premier League fixtures featuring London clubs at home, public transport is likely to be overburdened with drunk fans from different teams.
Crowded tubes and agitated supporters are a volatile mix, especially when groups of rival fans are mixing.
The police will therefore have to be on high alert for the entire day to ensure no violent clashes break out.
And while the football is going on, the Met will also need to maintain a presence elsewhere.
Tommy Robinson Free Speech Rally On Same Day As London Fixtures
Another event that could see large crowds gather in London on Saturday is Tommy Robinson’s ‘Free Speech Rally.’
Political activist and free speech advocate Robinson has called on people to meet in the city.
In a post announcing the rally Robinson said: “Make your plans now. Thirteenth of September, London.
“The biggest free speech event that the world has ever seen.
“Huge names from around the globe, united under one banner, our most important freedom!”
🚨 BREAKING : Tommy Robinson has revealed that on the 13th September 2025.
The UK will host the “Biggest free speech rally the world has ever seen”
Free speech speakers globally will gather together in London.
The question is, do you support this? pic.twitter.com/8gbVdID8o5
— The British Patriot (@TheBritLad) May 28, 2025
Confirming the details of the rally, Robinson posted on X (formerly Twitter).
He said: “CHANGE IS COMING!!!
“Play your part, join us, be in London for the UK’s largest Free Speech Festival.
“You voices really do matter.
“Make them hear you.
“Make them pay attention.
“Force them into a new political direction.
“Strengthen our unity and resolve.
“Be unashamedly proud of our culture, our history, and our identity.
“The time is now.”
In February, six were arrested as Tommy Robinson supporters marched through London, demanding his release from prison.
And in July 2024, nine arrests were made as supporters clashed with other groups.
With so much publicity around this latest planned demonstration, there is once again the possibility of disorder and counter-protests.
