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Football London
Football London
Sport
Jamie Kemble

Marine chairman gives update on Tottenham FA Cup clash amid Anfield reports

Marine chairman Paul Leary says the club are determined to ensure their clash with Tottenham will go ahead at Rossett Park.

Spurs will take on the non-league side in the third round of the FA Cup in January following Monday's draw, and the fixture won't be taking place at Liverpool's Anfield despite suggestions.

Rossett Park holds up to 3,185 supporters, and under the new government guidelines, they will be able to host up to 1,600 supporters for the clash with Spurs.

But Marine face a real challenge to ensure social distancing measures and covid measures are in place in order to host those supporters, leading to suggestions the game could be moved to nearby Anfield.

But Marine chairman Leary says no discussions have been held and that he and the club are committed to hosting the game at Rossett Park.

"We have seen some reports which were incorrect," said Leary.

"We've not been in discussions to play at Anfield and all of the parties that have been involved in discussions have been focused on making sure we make the ground COVID secure.

"I read something that said we were unable to do this which isn't true. We remain positive that the game will be held here at Marine and that is what we are working towards.

Spurs will play at Rossett Park in January (Jan Kruger/Getty Images)

"We wish we were able to welcome a full house for what will be an historic occasion for this football club, but we are doing everything we can to allow some fans back into the ground to see the game and we'll be ensuring that we are in full compliance with all the relevant guidelines."

Marine are only the second eighth-tier side ever to reach the FA Cup third-round, and their homely ground is something Spurs boss Jose Mourinho wants his players to experience.

"I am excited," he said recently. "I learn to love the FA Cup, even as a kid. When I came to England I learned a lot about it too. I experienced great things in that competition. I think it's a beautiful thing for everyone.

"I look forward to it, honestly. I look forward to it. I hope there are good conditions in the stadium in terms of safety and all these things relating to protocols.

"I'd love to play in that small stadium. That, for sure, means a lot for the home fans and for the players, the coach, everybody. The best way to respect them is to take the team, the players that they want to play against and we're going to respect them and respect the competition."

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