Rangers have had their first home Champions League group stage fixture in 12 years delayed because of concerns over policing in the wake of Queen Elizabeth II’s death, Uefa has announced.
The European football governing body announced its decision on Sunday afternoon, just over 48 hours before the match was due to kick-off at Ibrox in Glasgow. Originally scheduled for Tuesday 13 September at 8pm, the match will now take place a day later on Wednesday 14.
In a statement released to the media, Uefa said that the postponement had been made “due to the severe limitations on police resources and organisational issues related to the ongoing events surrounding the national mourning for Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II.
“In addition, it was agreed to also postpone the UEFA Youth League game between both teams from Tuesday 13 September to Wednesday 14 September at 15.00CET.
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The decision to bar away fans from the fixture means thousands of Italian supporters face losing all they spent on their travel plans, with no guarantees of airline refunds. Rangers, meanwhile, have acknowledged the difficulties the postponement presents to home fans.
“Rangers, of course, recognise this switch in date will inconvenience a number of our loyal supporters, and refunds will be available to those unable to attend the match,” the club said in a statement.
“The club can only apologise for any inconvenience caused by the most unique and sad circumstances which are beyond our control.”
Although the likes of cricket, Rugby Union, Rugby League and the Great North Run have continued this weekend, Premier League, EFL and other FA matches have been controversially postponed as a mark of respect. Some supporters complained that football seemed out of step with other sports, and bemoaned the economic impact on casual workers and food banks.
The Palace announced the death of the Queen on Thursday evening, saying she had passed away peacefully at Balmoral that afternoon. On Sunday her coffin is travelling six-hours by road from Balmoral to The Palace of Holyroodhouse in Edinburgh, where it will rest overnight before King Charles III arrives in the Scottish city on Monday.
The longest-serving monarch in British history will receive a state funeral on Monday 19 September.
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