Soccer

Football in Britain to return on Tuesday but weekend matches may be postponed

Strain on police resources in London could lead to further postponements

The teams pose for a moment's silence following the death of Queen Elizabeth II, ahead of the UEFA Europa League Group E football match between Manchester United and Real Sociedad. Photograph: Oli Scarff/AFP via Getty Images
The teams pose for a moment's silence following the death of Queen Elizabeth II, ahead of the UEFA Europa League Group E football match between Manchester United and Real Sociedad. Photograph: Oli Scarff/AFP via Getty Images
Mon Sept 12 2022 - 10:58

The English Football League has announced its teams will return to action on Tuesday night following the death of Queen Elizabeth.

The league’s weekend programme was postponed as a mark of respect but the midweek matches scheduled for Tuesday and Wednesday are set to go ahead, with tributes to be paid to the queen at games around the country.

“A minute’s silence will be held before matches, with black armbands to be worn by participants, flags to be flown at half-mast and the national anthem to be played in stadiums,” an EFL statement said.

“With a national policing plan now in operation, the league and clubs will continue to work with forces in respect of any challenges that may emerge regarding policing of specific fixtures.

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“Consideration to individual circumstances will be made on a case-by-case basis, in line with standard match safety advisory group (SAG) protocols.”

It is understood that all the midweek EFL matches will go ahead as planned, even those taking place in London.

However, it is not yet certain that all matches in the Premier League or EFL at the weekend will go ahead as planned due to the strain on police resources as a result of the queen’s state funeral, which will take place next Monday.

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Sports governing bodies were meeting again with the UK government on Monday to discuss the scheduling of events this weekend.

Discussions with Uefa are ongoing over the scheduled European fixtures this week involving British clubs in the Champions League, Europa League and European Conference League.

Rangers’ Champions League tie with Napoli has been put back a day to Wednesday, September 14th, due to “severe limitations on police resources and organisational issues”.

As a result, away fans will not be permitted for both matches between the two clubs “as a matter of sporting fairness”, according to Uefa.

The Football Association of Wales said all its competitions can resume from Tuesday.

The Premier League resumes on Friday night, when Aston Villa host Southampton and Fulham travel to Nottingham Forest.

In London, Tottenham take on Leicester on Saturday evening, while Brentford play Arsenal and Chelsea are at home to Liverpool on Sunday.

“We will work with football clubs to try and ensure that, where possible, football fixtures can take place safely when balanced against the requirement to support national events and deliver day-to-day policing,” said a statement from the National Police Chief’s Council.

[ Refunds demanded for fans as fixtures postponed following queen’s death ]

“This is a unique situation and we are working closely with everyone involved.”

All six Gallagher Premiership matches next weekend will go ahead as planned unless there is a directive from the British government.

There will be no racing in Britain on the day of the queen’s funeral.

The British Horseracing Authority confirmed on Saturday evening that the September 19th meetings scheduled for Hamilton, Leicester, Warwick and Wolverhampton would be cancelled as a mark of respect.