Liverpool's planned trip to Chelsea on Sunday afternoon has been postponed as a result of policing concerns surrounding the state funeral of Queen Elizabeth II - with Everton's home clash against West Ham United on the same day to go ahead.
The FA made the decision to postpone football throughout the pyramid last weekend, with all 10 Premier League games called off as a mark of respect, following the passing of the Queen on Thursday afternoon. There have since been concerns over another weekend of affected fixtures as hundreds of thousands of mourners flock to London to pay their respects.
Particular concern was to games based in the capital, with the majority of police needed to manage crowds of mourners, but there was also the potential for other games across the country to be affected as regional forces are redeployed south. And there has now been a decision to postpone Liverpool's planned trip to Stamford Bridge, while Everton's game at home to West Ham will go ahead.
READ MORE: Jurgen Klopp press conference LIVE - injury updates and Champions League team news ahead of Ajax
READ MORE: Everton news and transfers LIVE - Adama Traore interest, Mykhaylo Mudryk move, Alex Iwobi message
A Premier League statement read: "Premier League fixtures will resume this weekend after a pause to the season as a mark of respect following the passing of Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II.
"Seven of the 10 Premier League fixtures this weekend will be played, with three matches postponed due to events surrounding The Queen’s funeral. In addition, kick-off times will change for two Premier League matches.
"Matches postponed on Sunday 18 September are Chelsea’s matches against Liverpool at Stamford Bridge, and Manchester United’s home match v Leeds United.
"Brighton & Hove Albion’s fixture against Crystal Palace, that was due to be played at 15:00 BST on Saturday 17 September, will also remain 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 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."
There had been calls to switch the three London-based fixtures planned for this weekend so that all teams based in the capital play away from home, but the raft of logistical issues that come with planning a game with one week's notice make that unlikely - particularly on Merseyside, with Everton hosting West Ham at Goodison Park earlier in the same day.
The Reds now have two games to reschedule in an already-congested season - the earliest potential midweek could be mid-January - while the Toffees will need to find space for their trip to Arsenal which was postponed last week.
READ NEXT
-
Moise Kean branded 'lazy' and 'irritating' as Everton man hooked before Juventus chaos
-
Liverpool hit by Andy Robertson injury blow as defender ruled out for Ajax
-
Marcus Thuram, Adama Traore and five other forwards Everton could sign for free next summer
-
Divock Origi labelled 'worst signing of the season' after Liverpool move
-
New Frank Lampard plan can hand fresh start to Everton midfielder who was unfairly ridiculed
