Marriott hotel in Spurs food ‘poisoning scandal' set to be cleared

Marriott West India Quay, the hotel at the centre of the Tottenham Hotspur FC "food-poisoning" mystery, looks set to be exonerated.

Initial test results on a lasagne served at the hotel blamed for the players' ill health indicated an unconnected virus was to blame instead.

Hotel general manager, Paul Downing, said it was looking positive at the moment, but he was awaiting further test results.

"The first test result back has showed it was some kind of neural virus, but we are awaiting further results, which are due back later today," he said.

Downing added that business at the hotel has not been affected so far by the adverse press surrounding the players' illness.

"Everyone at the hotel has taken a bit of a beating this week, but we will come through this," said Downing.

He added the hotel was not contemplating suing, even if it was found to be in the clear.

Newspaper reports had suggested Spurs planned to launch a £10m compensation claim of their own against the hotel and Premier League, after losing their final game of the season against West Ham last weekend.

As a result, Spurs finished fifth in the league table behind rivals Arsenal, which was a place outside lucrative Champions' League qualification.

London Marriott waits decision on legal action by Spurs >>

By Chris Druce

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