Tottenham reassured by the NFL over their artificial turf surface

10/12/2023 Soccer

Tottenham reassured by the NFL over their artificial turf… after the Buffalo Bills’ Taron Johnson blamed the ‘terrible surface’ for injuries

  • Buffalo Bills players had criticised the turf at the Tottenham Hotspur Stadium 
  • The Tennessee Titans and Baltimore Ravens will meet at the venue on Sunday
  • Listen to the latest episode of Mail Sport’s podcast ‘It’s All Kicking Off!’

Tottenham have received reassurances from the NFL that they are happy with facilities at the football stadium ahead of Sunday’s clash between the Tennessee Titans and Baltimore Ravens.

Several Buffalo Bills players complained about the ‘terrible’ condition of the artificial turf surface at the ground following their defeat by Jacksonville Jaguars last weekend, which they blamed for several injuries they suffered, echoing criticism made after NFL games staged at Tottenham 12 months ago.

However, Tottenham have already upgraded the NFL field since it was installed four years ago.

The NFL are committed to staging at least two regular-season games at Tottenham until 2029, a contract that is not under threat.

Buffalo Bills cornerback Taron Johnson had called for the surface to be replaced after Sunday’s defeat.

The NFL have reassured Tottenham that they are happy with facilities after player criticism

The Buffalo Bills cornerback Taron Johnson blamed the turf at the stadium for injuries

Baltimore Ravens will face the Tennessee Titans at the Tottenham Hotspur Stadium on Sunday

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The Bills lost two key players – All Pro linebacker Matt Milano and defensive tackle DaQuan Jones in the first quarter. 

Milano sustained a knee injury in a pile-up, while Jones suffered a pectoral problem.

The Bills have confirmed both Milano and Jones will undergo surgery on their respective injuries. 

Johnson briefly left the field with a knee injury, before retuning to the field of play.

Von Miller – who played his first game since tearing his ACL in November – saw his afternoon end early too as a precaution.

‘I think that turf is terrible,’ Johnson said after the game. ‘My foot got stuck in the ground. But I’m OK, thank God.

‘Take that turf out. Especially that one. I’d rather play on grass. I’m sure 90-100 per cent of players would rather play on grass. So I’m not sure why we’re playing on stuff like that. 

‘There was injuries on the field today. Some of them really, really bad. I just feel like the turf has something to do with it.’

The Tottenham Hotspur Stadium was opened in 2019, with the venue featuring a retractable, dividing football pitch which sits on top of the 4G field turf NFL field below.

IT’S ALL KICKING OFF! 

It’s All Kicking Off is an exciting new podcast from Mail Sport that promises a different take on Premier League football, launching with a preview show today and every week this season.

It is available on MailOnline, Mail+, YouTube , Apple Music and Spotify

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