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Do You Actually Forget The Pain Of Labour? This Mum Did Six Months After Giving Birth

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A mum has revealed how just six months after giving birth, she can’t remember the pain of labour. And it’s something many – but not all – can relate to.

“My husband thinks this is crazy. But I didn’t know if anyone else experienced this,” revealed the parent. “I gave birth almost six months ago and I don’t remember the pain.”

The phenomenon is not uncommon. Lots of women report not quite remembering the sensations of labour, even though they recall it was painful for them at the time.

“I vividly remember being in pain, and clutching the hospital bed rails with all my might, but the actual pain, [I] can’t recall it for anything,” said the mum, taking to Reddit.

“It blows my mind. Like I know I had contractions for hours, but I couldn’t even tell you what they felt like.”

Other parents were equally baffled and shared their own experiences of not remembering the sensations of birth. “I remember between (screaming through) contractions I said to my husband, ‘how do siblings exist?!’” said one.

“Two weeks later I’m picking out sibling names.”

But not everyone shared the reduced memory recall, as far as pain was concerned. “I can vividly recall every single pain and I’ve already decided to never do it again,” said one parent.

Another added: “Can’t relate. The pain haunts me daily.”

So, why is this?

Unsurprisingly it’s not a well-studied area, but one study of women’s memory of labour pain – from two months to five years after birth – found memory of labour pain did decline in a lot of women over a period of time.

But for those who had a negative overall experience of childbirth, the memory of labour pain didn’t decline. What’s more, women who had an epidural – suggesting they experienced extreme pain during birth – reported higher pain scores at all time points, suggesting that these women remember the ‘peak pain’ of labour.

In a piece for the Conversation, Monique Robinson, of the Telethon Institute for Child Health Research at The University of Western Australia, suggested lots of other factors can play a part in how a birth is remembered. So things like: satisfaction with care-providers, choice of pain relief, level of medical intervention, complications, outcomes for the baby, and other personal factors.

All of these would add up to either form a positive or negative birth experience. Positive experiences are less likely to be associated with pain, whereas negative ones are.

Discussing why some people might forget the pain of birth, Jennifer Conti, clinical professor of obstetrics and gynaecology at Stanford University, told Self her theory is that from an evolutionary perspective, the survival of our species could depend on women forgetting the pain of labour and birth.

“If you can’t remember how intense your [birth experience] was, maybe you’re more likely to do it again and reproduce,” she said.

“I often hear women say that they can remember that they were in pain during labour, but can’t actually recall the perception or intensity that well. On the other hand, there are women who swear they remember the event like it happened yesterday.”

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This Mum Potty Trained Her Two-Year-Old In 72 Hours Using The ‘3P Method’

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Potty training is not for the fainthearted. It requires oodles of patience, a lot of wipes and an ability to be increasingly chilled when a poo turns up on your nice cream carpet.

But once your child is out of nappies and proudly doing wees and poos in their potty (or on the toilet) it’s a very rewarding feeling for all involved.

One mum-of-two recently took to TikTok to share how she managed to potty train her two-year-old in 72 hours (aka three days) – and we have nothing but respect for this toileting champion.

Courtney Ryrie-Novack, who is known as @scottishcourt on the app, said she used something called the ‘3P method’.

Those Ps stand for: persistence, patience and praise. Sounds interesting. So what does it all involve?

For starters, Courtney shared that she and her toddler didn’t leave the house for three days while they embarked on the potty training mission. And for that entire time, her son was naked.

Discussing the ‘persistence’ part of the 3Ps, Courtney said this is “most important” in the first day or however long it takes for your child to grasp that the potty is where they need to do poos or wees.

“Personally for us it was one day to know where the pee or whatever goes. So every 10 minutes you’re going to put your child on the toilet and say: you need to go pee, or poo, or whatever word you want to use,” she explained.

“You’re going to fill them up with juice … and you fill [them] all day long, and every single 10 minutes: [put them on the] toilet, toilet, toilet. And you do that until it’s bedtime, and that’s when we put a nappy on.”

She added that when her son first started using the potty, they’d use a distraction like an iPad to keep him sitting there, because otherwise he would try and run away.

There were some downsides to this technique, however. “He kind of tried tricking us sometimes by sitting on it for like 20 minutes so he could watch 20 minutes of his iPad, but we kind of let it pass the first day because – like I said – it was his first day,” she said.

By the end of the first day, Courtney said her son knew where he needed to pee and would know to get his parents, so they could take him to the toilet. And by the end of day two, he was going to the toilet by himself.

The mum added that ‘patience’ is also crucial during this time – and especially on the first day – because there will be a lot of accidents.

On the second day, she said her son was no longer having any accidents in the wee department, but did a couple of rogue poos. But that’s to be expected.

Moving on to the third P – ‘praise’ – Courtney said this is definitely the most important part of the process.

“We’re never going to scold our kid for missing the toilet, not making [it to] the toilet, or just not doing it in the toilet,” she said. “Because it’s not their fault. All they’ve known their whole life is ‘do it wherever I am in my diaper’.”

So, when children end up weeing or pooing on the potty, she encouraged parents to check what’s in the potty and then cheer and celebrate with them. She suggested you could give them a sticker, sweet or a toy – “whatever you think will motivate them”.

In her case it was chocolate, and it worked like a dream.

Fellow parents were keen to try the process, while others shared their own success. “I was a toddler teacher and this is exactly how I ended up potty training my two boys and how I recommended my friends potty train theirs,” said one mum.

There is no set age to start potty training as every child is different, however the NHS does recommend that around the age of 18 months to two years old parents can introduce sitting on the potty as part of the normal daily routine.

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Johnny Mercer Told ‘Facts Matter’ During Bizarre Question Time Performance

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A Conservative minister has been ridiculed online for his performance on BBC Question Time.

Johnny Mercer clashed with Labour frontbencher Bridget Philipson repeatedly on the corporation’s flagship politics show, and faced criticism for talking over fellow panelists.

At one point, the Opposition MP was joined by host Fiona Bruce and guest Dale Vince, the green energy entrepreneur, to correct the veterans minister wrongly suggesting the Labour Party was funded by climate protestors, Just Stop Oil.

Mercer said: “You’re funded by Just Stop Oil, right? Which you’re not gonna give back.”

Philipson replied: “What are you talking about? That is categorically untrue.”

Mercer then tried to argue Vance donated to Just Stop Oil and some Labour politicians, including leader Keir Starmer.

“Facts matter,” Bruce interjected, as she pointed out this was not the same as Just Stop Oil funding the Labour Party.

“Would you like to set the record straight now, Johnny,” asked Philipson.

He was also slapped down after misinterpreting Labour’s position on the NHS.

During a question about the NHS, as the service marks its 75th anniversary, Philipson made the case for the NHS remaining free at the point of need – meaning the public has access to healthcare regardless of whether they can afford it at that moment or not.

She said: “I believe the principle of access free at the point of need is what has built the NHS, and made it so great, that we know that however much you’ve got in your bank account you can get the care you need, or you should be able to get the care you need at the point at which you need it.”

She added: “The sad reality is after 13 years of the Conservatives, that isn’t the case for people right now.”

But the point was was later given a different spin by Mercer.

The Plymouth MP said: “I mean, this idea that Bridget came out with, it depends how much money you’ve got in your bank account, whether you get served in A&E, is obviously garbage.”

Philipson swiftly responded: “That wasn’t the point I was making. You’re misrepresenting my position.”

Mercer continued: “You did say it depends how much money you’ve got as to how quickly you get treated.”

Philipson continued that she apologised if she “misspoke”, adding: “The point I was making was that it shouldn’t depend on how much you have in your bank account, whether you get access to healthcare.”

She ended the back and forth by saying: “Your government has broken the NHS and now you quibble about semantics.”

The Tory MP was later accused of “shouting across every member of the panel tonight” by an audience member.

Mercer on the show stood by his jibe at critics of “collective bed-wetting” after the backlash he faced for saying armed forces personnel don’t need to use food banks.

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If You Want A Cheaper Family Center Parcs Holiday, You Should Try This

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When it comes to quintessential British family holidays, Center Parcs is up there – between the cute log cabins, wealth of things to do and picturesque settings, it’s got a lot going for it, especially as far as parents are concerned.

But one thing that can put some families off – especially given the current financial climate – is the price tag that comes with a week-long break.

Consumer champion Which? recently found that, on average, the cost of a UK Center Parcs stay is roughly £1,274. And that’s for a family of four to stay at a site for four nights during a peak period like half term.

But if you’re after a cheaper way to enjoy Center Parc’s outdoor adventure vibes, it might just be worth looking further afield.

A new report from Which? found families could more than halve the cost of a Center Parcs break by booking in Europe instead of the UK.

Oh, really?

Yup. The consumer group compared the cost of a four-night stay for a family of four at 16 Center Parcs sites across England, France and Belgium during four peak periods.

It found a UK stay came in at £1,274 on average, compared to £833 in France and £701 in Belgium.

Which? said the biggest price differences could be found for bookings over October half-term and Easter, partly due to differences between the school calendars here and in Europe.

On average, a family could save 55% opting for a Center Parcs resort in Belgium rather than the UK over October half term, with a four night break costing just £613, compared to £1,369 in the UK.

And the savings in France were almost as good, with the same stay costing £868 on average.

But don’t the travel costs make it more expensive?

Of course, with any trip abroad you need to factor in travel costs – and these can really rack up when the kids are off school, especially if you choose to fly.

That said, when Which? factored in travel costs – like taking a ferry and then driving – they still found families could save hundreds of pounds overall.

For example, Dunkirk is less than an hour’s drive from Center Parcs’ Park de Haan, in Belgium.

At the time of writing, a return ferry trip for a family of four from Dover to Dunkirk could be booked for approximately £170 during the October half-term.

Similarly, a return car ferry for a family of four from Dover to Calais could be booked for £125 return during October half term, and over Easter weekend a return journey via Le Shuttle can be booked for £179.

Venturing to European Center Parcs sites is something more and more parents are wising up to. One mum previously told The Sun how she took her family to Center Parcs in the Netherlands during the Easter holidays and saved hundreds of pounds.

For £680 she managed to bag a week in a three-bed cottage. She also suggested activities were cheaper in the Netherlands than in the UK.

And Which? also found this. Its analysis found archery costs between £19 and £26.50 at the UK’s Whinfell Forest park, while it costs £14 at Belgium’s Park de Haan. Similarly, Laser Battle games range in price from £24.50 to £34.50 at Whinfell Forest, and cost £15 at Park de Haan.

Jo Rhodes, deputy editor of Which? Travel, said: “Our research found that it’s well-worth casting your eye beyond the Channel to snap up some significant savings

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Can I Be Pregnant And Not Know? Welcome To The World Of Cryptic Pregnancies

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Being pregnant and birthing a baby can be stressful enough, but getting pregnant and going into labour without even knowing about it? Well, that’s unlocked a new fear.

Some people are taking to TikTok to share their accounts of ‘cryptic’ or ‘invisible’ pregnancies.

Kayla Nicole Simpson (@kaylanicolesimpson) shared how she went to the emergency room with severe abdominal pain, thinking she had appendicitis. But at the hospital, an ultrasound revealed she was pregnant.

Doctors swiftly realised she was crowning and she was rushed to the labour ward where, in 15 minutes, she’d given birth to a baby girl.

“Throughout my so-called pregnancy I had lost 30lbs, was the flattest I had ever been and had my period every month,” Simpson recalled.

What is a cryptic pregnancy?

In short, it’s where you don’t realise you’re pregnant because your body doesn’t really give you any of the tell-tale signs.

While for a very small amount of people they might not realise they’re pregnant until labour, a cryptic pregnancy can also apply to people who don’t realise they’re pregnant until at least 20 weeks.

Some people might not experience any symptoms, or very mild symptoms of pregnancy; others might blame their pregnancy symptoms on issues, like stress; and some might not grow a baby bump at all.

Why do some women not get a baby bump?

TikTok creator Nikki Salazer shared a video of her story. While she knew she was pregnant, it didn’t take away from the fact that not getting a bump felt a bit strange.

“As the months went by, I still had nothing,” she explained. “But I still had all the symptoms and felt kicking regularly. At eight months, I started to feel very heavy – but still, no bump.

“No-one could believe I was pregnant – even at the hospital. Thankfully, I had a healthy birth and delivery.”

Dr Karan Raj stitched Salazer’s video with some commentary of his own to explain just why these hidden bump pregnancies occur. “There are a number of factors that could contribute to this,” he said.

Apparently, it’s all to do with the shape of your uterus – and if you have a retroverted uterus, it’s easier for your baby to hide.

“Most women have an ‘anteverted’ uterus where it’s slightly tilted forwards,” said Dr Raj.

“But one in five have a backwards tilt towards the spine. For some women, it may remain tilted backwards for the duration of the pregnancy. This backwards growth could hide any bump.”

He explained that previous surgery, endometriosis and other gynaecological conditions could scar what’s known as the uterosacral ligaments, which “keep the uterus fixed to the spine and inside the pelvic cavities”.

“If these are stiff because of scarring, these ligaments can literally hold the uterus back and stop it from protruding too far out,” he said, which will result in a tiny little bump, or no bump at all.

And bad news if you’re tall… “If you’re taller, you’ll have a longer torso, so there’ll be more space for the uterus to develop upwards rather than just outwards,” added Dr Raj.

Gym bunnies should be wary, too, as a super strong stomach could have the same effect. “If you have well-developed rectus abdominal muscles, the uterus may develop closer to your core, rather than protruding out,” he said.

Other causes can include:

  • Having recently given birth,
  • PCOS,
  • Peri-menopause.

How common are cryptic pregnancies?

The good news is cryptic pregnancies are relatively rare. Studies suggest that around one in 475 pregnancies aren’t noticed until about 20 weeks gestation, which is halfway into the pregnancy.

And around one in 2,500 pregnancies go completely unnoticed until delivery.

On the upside, not having a huge bump getting in the way of tying your shoes, picking things up and generally moving around can be super beneficial.

But the emotional trauma of suddenly going into labour must be… well, a lot.

Although as Kayla Simpson said: “Within those 15 minutes my life changed forever – and now I can say for the better … Obviously I was in shock but I do think that things happen for a reason.”

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How Do I Tell My Partner That Our Sex Life Is Boring?

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You’re reading Love Stuck, where trained therapists answer your dating, sex, and relationship dilemmas. You can submit a question here.

You feel like you’ve won the lottery when you think you’ve found that forever person. It’s rare to find someone who ticks all your boxes and makes you feel safe. So, when that happens you’ll do anything to ensure that your relationship lasts.

Even if that means ignoring some aspects of the relationship that aren’t perfect.

This week’s reader Matthew is sure that he’s found the one but there’s one part of the relationship that is lacking: the sex. “I love my partner but our sex life is boring,” he tells HuffPost UK.

“I’ve been with my partner for a year and a half now. I’m very much in love with her but this isn’t the best sex I’ve had in my life,” he says.

He continues: “We’ve spoken about opening up our relationship but I think I only suggested doing this because I’m not satisfied in the bedroom. The sex is good but it’s not amazing and it makes me wonder if you can have it all in relationships?”

It’s evident that Matthew wants to make it work with his partner but is he settling in his love life? Counselling Directory member Nina Jellinek is on hand to help.


How important is the role of sex in a relationship?

Jellinek thinks this is a bit of a tricky question.

“For some people, sex is actually not important at all, or they might actively prefer a non-sexual relationship (not always a preference that is easy to express),” she says.

However, some people really value sex. “Both viewpoints are natural; the issues tend to arise if your and your partner’s feelings are at odds with each other,” Jellinek explains.

Sex usually plays a big part in relationships as it can be physically fun and satisfying.

“But it can also go beyond the physical feelings, and, for many, it is part of the sense of intimacy in a relationship,” Jellinek adds.

So, she says that “when there is a mismatch in people’s feelings about physical intimacy, it can lead to feelings of frustration, guilt, or resentment which can build up over time.”

What should we do if we feel that our sex life is lacking in our relationship?

Jellinek wants Matthew to consider whether the lack of sex is a temporary thing or if things might settle by themselves.

“It is also worth considering whether we have reasonable expectations around sex,” she says. When the relationship is new she says sex may have that novelty factor which is just not realistic to expect to maintain forever.

“This does not mean that you can’t expect to have an exciting physical relationship, just that things do change,” she adds.

Over time, people do sometimes fall into a routine that might be comfortable, but the sex might not have the same thrill factor that you had before.

“However, the truth might also be that you and your partner might be emotionally compatible, but the physical compatibility might never have been at the same level,” Jellinek says.

This could be a trickier situation because you have to try to address it. “But you also have to consider what you would do if things never improved in the way that you want,” she adds.

What practical advice would you give this reader?

If you aren’t happy with your sex life, ask your partner whether they feel the same.

“If you both want to improve things, there is a lot of scope for change, but it is important that each of you communicates your needs,” Jellinek advises.

If Matthew’s partner doesn’t feel the same, it might be a harder conversation to have. Jellinek suggests having a discussion about potentially exploring new experiences together.

If things aren’t working, there is the possibility of opening up the relationship. “There is nothing inherently wrong with this, but it can certainly come with complications,” Jellinek adds.

She continues: “It’s only going to work if you are both genuinely OK with it and even then the impact might be unpredictable.”

She wants Matthew to know that if he is not happy with his sex life it can impact his relationship so it’s an issue that needs to be talked through.

Love Stuck is for those who’ve hit a romantic wall, whether you’re single or have been coupled up for decades. With the help of trained sex and relationship therapists, HuffPost UK will help answer your dilemmas. Submit a question here.

Rebecca Zisser/HuffPost UK

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NHS Launches ‘Virtual Wards’ To Help Kids Access Hospital Care At Home

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Tens of thousands of children are set to receive hospital-level care at home as part of an expansion of virtual wards on the NHS.

The announcement is set to come from NHS chief executive Amanda Pritchard on the 75 anniversary of the health service.

The ‘hospital at home’ service will cover children in every region of England from this month, after successfully treating more than 6,400 children in a pilot scheme over the last year.

Pritchard said the NHS virtual wards programme has “provided peace of mind” to parents who have used them during trials, including in Blackpool, Dudley and Dorset.

What is a virtual ward and how does it work?

Virtual wards allow patients to get hospital-level care at home safely and in familiar surroundings, helping speed up their recovery while freeing up hospital beds.

Children on a virtual ward would be cared for by a multi-skilled team who can provide a range of tests and treatments, including blood tests, prescribing medication or administering fluids through an intravenous drip.

They would be reviewed daily by the clinical team and the ‘ward round’ may involve a home visit or take place through video calls.

Many virtual wards use technology like apps, wearables and other medical devices enabling clinical staff to easily check in and monitor patients’ recovery.

Children will be treated for a range of conditions like respiratory illness, such as asthma, and heart conditions, but from the comfort of their homes.

How is it helping children?

In Blackpool, almost 200 children have been treated on a paediatric virtual ward.

Hope Ezard, who is 21 months old, is one of them. She was born prematurely at just 29-weeks and has a rare neurodevelopmental disorder, GNB5, as well as chronic lung disease and feeding issues.

Hope has been in and out of hospital for most of her life to be treated for recurring respiratory infections, and to receive high-pressure oxygen and antibiotics.

The introduction of the virtual ward meant Hope could be moved home sooner.

Hope’s mum, Sarah, 39, said being able to receive care at home “is so beneficial to Hope, and our other children”.

“We know that in general, Hope doesn’t sleep very well when she’s in hospital and is more vulnerable to hospital infections, so there is peace of mind when she’s being cared for at home, on the virtual ward,” she said.

“She’s less likely to pick up anything that might make her more poorly, and she’s relaxed and comfortable in her own bed.

“And the fact that the brilliant community nurses are just a phone call away reduces any anxieties that we might have had.”

In Dudley, mum Anum Shazady praised the virtual ward for keeping her son out of hospital, with twice daily calls from NHS staff.

Anum said: “Now my son is on the virtual ward I can record his observations as many times as I want throughout the day, recording them onto the virtual ward pad and a member of staff calls me twice daily which reassures me that he is safe in our home environment.

“The new virtual ward is great for me and my family as it stops my son staying in hospital longer than he needs.”

Why are they expanding the scheme?

The ultimate aim is to free up hospital beds – especially ahead of winter.

NHS chief executive Amanda Pritchard said: “Virtual wards are already providing excellent care to families when their children are sick, and this expansion will enable thousands more to receive high quality care from home.

“Being treated at home can have a hugely positive impact on patients – it means they receive hospital-level care, but it also means they are not separated from their families – providing peace of mind for loved ones.

“As we look to the next 75 years of the NHS, we will continue to embrace the latest technologies and innovations to meet the changing needs of patients while ensuring that care is as convenient as possible.”

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Rosie O’Donnell Shares Updates On Madonna Following Singer’s Hospitalisation

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The actor posted a throwback photo on Monday of herself and Madonna in a scene from A League Of Their Own, the 1992 comedy that sparked their three-decade friendship.

In the comments, fans asked to know how the Material Girl singer was faring. The pop icon’s manager, Guy Oseary, announced last week that she had been found unresponsive on June 24, leading to a several-day stay in an intensive care unit.

The 64-year-old had developed a “serious bacterial infection” but was expected to make a full recovery, Oseary said.

Responding to a concerned commenter, O’Donnell wrote, “She’s good,” alongside a heart emoji.

“She is recovering at home. She is very strong in general,” she wrote in another comment.

Actor Debi Mazar, another friend, also shared a brief update about the singer last week.

“To all of her fans- Madonna is on the mend & home resting!” Mazar wrote on Instagram.

Madonna’s Celebration tour of North America and Europe ― which was scheduled to begin in mid-July ― has been postponed.

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Michael Mosley Warns Of 5 Breakfast Foods To Avoid On Holiday

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Let’s be honest: the breakfast buffet is one of the best parts of going on holiday.

Those continental set-ups with the croissants, cheeses and delicious orange juice help set you up for the day in just the right way.

But if you’re watching your health then it might be good to know there are definitely more nutritious options to pick when you’re having breakfast.

Healthy-living advocate Michael Mosley can help you there, as he’s shared his list of foods to steer clear of when it comes to holiday breakfasts, as part of his Fast 800 programme.

His no-go list includes…

  1. Fruit juices and dried fruit
  2. Pastries
  3. Cereals
  4. Muffins and cake
  5. Hash browns

Why? Well, recent research shows that processed foods such as muffins, cakes and pastries aren’t amazing for our long-term health.

And deep-fried foods like hash browns can contain a lot of saturated fat from the oil they’re cooked in, plus added salt.

So, what should you eat instead?

If you want to maintain energy levels and stay healthy while away, Mosley recommends these breakfast items instead:

  1. Omelettes – some hotels have omelette stations where you can choose your own fillings, so don’t be shy with the vegetables. Eggs are particularly good for breakfast, at around 6g of protein per portion and packed with nutrients and minerals.
  2. Greek yogurt – rich in protein, calcium and iodine, Greek yogurt with a side of fresh berries is a fab way to get your day started.
  3. Veggies – you’ll often find veggies like spinach, tomatoes and mushrooms at the breakfast bar, which, luckily enough, pair really well with eggs (see above).
  4. Cheese, nuts and avocadoes are great healthy fats to add to your plate as they’ll keep you fuller for longer.

With that all said, if you’re anything like me, holidays are the time to let loose and really enjoy yourself. So, I will be stacking my plate high with pasteis de nata when I visit Portugal later this year, thank you very much.

And maybe I’ll add some berries on the side… You know, for balance.

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Wimbledon Blighted By Queues As Security Beefed-Up To Counter Just Stop Oil

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Beefed-up security to prevent protesters disrupting Wimbledon have led to long, frustrating queues on the opening day of the tennis championships.

Just Stop Oil activists have recently interrupted the Ashes cricket test at Lord’s, with one activist carried off the field by England wicketkeeper Jonny Bairstow.

Protesters have also disrupted other sporting events in Britain this year, as well as other events including the Chelsea Flower Show.

Airport-style security was in place in SW19 as staff looked out for chalk dust and powders which have been banned at the prestigious tournament for the first time ever.

Specialist undercover police spotters have also been deployed, The Telegraph reported.

Glue, cable-ties and chains and padlocks are all on the prohibited list as they can be used to disrupt events by protesters attaching themselves to property.

Sky News reported the wait at Wimbledon was as long as eight hours as organisers advised people not to travel to join the queue just before noon.

Wimbledon tweeted: “Our grounds are set to be at capacity today, which means those already in the queue will be waiting several hours for admission. We advise people intending to queue today not to travel to Wimbledon.”

Multiple media outlets in the UK have been reporting that Wimbledon is a prime target for activists with some seeing it as an unrivalled opportunity for publicity.

But the All England Lawn Tennis Club, which hosts the grasscourt grand slam tournament, was confident it had matters under control.

HANNAH MCKAY via Reuters

ADRIAN DENNIS via Getty Images

The club said it had been liaising with organisers of other sporting events, including the English Cricket Board, to refine best practices.

Michelle Dite, Wimbledon operations director, told reporters: “We have plans in place to mitigate the risks working in partnership with specialist agencies and the Metropolitan Police and should an incident occur the appropriate specialist teams will respond.

“The safety and security of all our players, colleagues and visitors is paramount.”

But many were expressing frustration on Twitter.

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