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Manchester Evening News
Manchester Evening News
Sport
Joe Doyle & Tyrone Marshall

Government and police issue statements over next weekend's Premier League fixtures

Government advice over next weekend's football fixtures is set to remain the same, giving the Premier League and English Football League the chance to stage games, with police in London also confident they will have enough resources to staff games.

Both the Premier League and EFL cancelled this weekend's programme as a mark of respect following the death of Queen Elizabeth II, but other sports are playing on and making their own tributes before play begins.

The football authorities have been criticised for their decision, which meant Manchester City's game at home to Tottenham today and Manchester United' s trip to Crystal Palace tomorrow were both postponed.

READ MORE: United issue update on Europa League tie vs Sherrif Tiraspol

There has been speculation that next weekend's fixtures could also fall by the wayside, with the funeral potentially taking place on Monday, September 19.

That could put the Metropolitan Police under considerable pressure, with the possibility of drafting in extra resources from around the country to deal with the crowds expected in the capital.

A Met Police statement to football.london said: "Whether matches go ahead is a matter for the football authorities. If fixtures do take place, the Met will work with the relevant partners and ensure that appropriate policing plans are in place."

The Department for Culture, Media and Sport (DCMS) have said their guidance will remain the same, which leaves the decision in the hands of the relevant sporting bodies.

It's not yet been confirmed when the funeral will take place, with no sporting events taking place that day, but if it is Monday, September 19, games could be on next weekend.

A DCMS spokesman said: "Our guidance will stay the same. There's no obligation to cancel as far as the government is concerned. But it's ultimately up to the Premier League and EFL to make those decisions."

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