The Premier League has been forced to postpone two high-profile fixtures this weekend due to the pressure on police forces preparing for the Queen’s funeral on Monday.
The Football Association lifted its suspension of football on Monday after a weekend of postponements intended as a mark of respect with the nation in mourning.
i revealed last week that major matches were at risk of cancellation this weekend due to a lack of police resources in what will likely be the largest operation in history.
Chelsea were due to host Liverpool in the late afternoon game on Sunday at Stamford Bridge but that will have to be rescheduled. As will Manchester United against Leeds United that was slated to be played at Old Trafford earlier that day. Both matches were deemed unplayable on the day before the state funeral.
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Brighton’s match at home to Crystal Palace had already been called off, , and it has been confirmed that Chelsea’s match against Liverpool at Stamford Bridge and Manchester United’s match against Leeds at Old Trafford – which were both scheduled for Sunday – have been postponed.
“Following extensive consultation with clubs, police, local Safety Advisory Groups and other relevant authorities, there was no other option but to postpone the three fixtures,” the Premier League said.
After a full round of Premier League fixtures was postponed last weekend following the Queen’s death, uncertainty had surrounded these next set of matches.
Brighton’s home match against Crystal Palace on Saturday will remain postponed, having already been called off due to rail strikes which are no longer going ahead.
Premier League schedule
Friday 16 September
- Aston Villa vs Southampton, 8pm BST
- Nottingham Forest vs Fulham, 8pm
Saturday 17 September
- Wolves vs Man City, 12.30pm
- Brighton vs Crystal Palace, postponed*
- Newcastle vs Bournemouth, 3pm
- Tottenham vs Leicester, 5.30pm
Sunday 18 September
- Brentford vs Arsenal, 12pm
- Everton vs West Ham, 2.15pm
- Man Utd vs Leeds, postponed
- Chelsea vs Liverpool, postponed
*Match was postponed due to rail strikes, which have since been lifted
Most European games were set to go ahead this week but Arsenal had to postpone their match against PSV Eindhoven on Thursday night due to policing issues.
The rejigged Premier League scheduling meant Brentford against Arsenal moved to midday on Sunday, to be shown on Sky Sports, while Everton’s match against West Ham was made the other televised Sky game that day, at 2.15pm.
Officials from the Premier League and at clubs worked extensively with police forces to determine how many of this weekend’s matches could be played, mindful that the fixture list is already congested and complicated by a mid-season World Cup due to kick off in Qatar at the end of November that does not finish until shortly before Christmas.
Why is a match in Manchester off?
“This is due to Greater Manchester Police supporting forces across the United Kingdom at locations and events of high significance following the passing of Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II,” Manchester United confirmed in a statement on Monday.
“The club reiterates that the safety and security of our fans is paramount and, after considering all available options, we are supportive of the decision that was made in conjunction with the relevant authorities.”
“Following extensive consultation with clubs, police, local Safety Advisory Groups and other relevant authorities, there was no other option but to postpone the three fixtures,” the Premier League said in a statement.
“The Premier League would like to thank the UK Football Policing Unit and other police forces across the country, as well as our broadcast partners, for their support during this process, and will continue to liaise with them ahead of the weekend.
“For the matches being played during the period of National Mourning, tributes will be paid to The Queen at Premier League stadiums.
“New dates for the postponed matches will be announced in due course.”
Queen Elizabeth II’s coffin will arrive in London from Scotland on Tuesday, and will then be transported from Buckingham Palace to the Palace of Westminster on Wednesday afternoon.
The lying in state will begin at 5pm on Wednesday, and the public will be able to view the coffin 24 hours a day from that point until 6.30am on Monday.
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