Premier League clubs are expecting more fixtures to be postponed next weekend due to the Queen's funeral.
Queen Elizabeth II sadly passed away on Thursday, aged 96. She died peacefully at her Balmoral estate to end her 70-year reign. Many in football have paid tribute to the Queen, with no games taking place in the UK on Friday, Saturday, Sunday and Monday out of respect.
That decision has proved controversial, as thousands of fans have expressed their disappointment. Many wanted to attend this weekend's fixtures to collectively pay tribute to the Queen. These tributes are now set to take place during the midweek games or at a later date.
The decision made by the FA, Premier League and EFL to postpone this weekend's games was at odds with other major sports. For example, the Test match between England and South Africa at the Oval will resume on Saturday after Friday's play was cancelled.
As reported by The Guardian, Premier League clubs are now anticipating next weekend's fixtures will be postponed due to policing and logistical issues surrounding the Queen's funeral. Hundreds of police offers will be needed in the capital for the event, which is set to take place on Monday, September 19.
Thousands are expected to travel to London ahead of the funeral, which means police officers could also be needed in the days leading up to the event. There's also the question over whether it is right for games to be played before such a momentous occasion.
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The Premier League fixtures in London next weekend are particularly under threat due to the funeral being held there. Tottenham, Brentford and Chelsea are all at home - as are EFL sides QPR, Millwall, Leyton Orient and Sutton United.
Losing one round of fixtures is already problematic in one of the most demanding seasons in the history of the game. Some clubs could play more than 60 games this season due to league, cup and European commitments - all with a World Cup in between.
It's also important to note some fixtures are expected to be postponed in the winter due to the weather and Covid infections. The Premier League started a week earlier than usual this season and is currently scheduled to end a week later than usual, on May 28.
King Charles III has succeeded his mother as Britain's monarch. "I speak to you today with feelings of profound sorrow," said Charles in his first address to the nation and Commonwealth as the monarch on Friday evening.
"Throughout her life, Her Majesty the Queen - my beloved Mother - was an inspiration and example to me and to all my family, and we owe her the most heartfelt debt any family can owe to their mother; for her love, affection, guidance, understanding and example.
"Queen Elizabeth's was a life well lived; a promise with destiny kept and she is mourned most deeply in her passing. That promise of lifelong service I renew to you all today."
*This weekend, the Daily Mirror and Sunday Mirror celebrate the life of Her Majesty the Queen with a commemorative special filled with all the key moments from Britain’s longest reigning monarch. Be sure to pick up your copy of the Daily Mirror and Sunday Mirror to get both pullouts.
You can leave your tributes to Queen Elizabeth II here
