The Premier League continues to ponder what is undoubtedly a difficult decision for those at the top. For the small number of executives who decide whether top flight football returns this weekend, the answer is simple: It must.
Her Majesty The Queen's sad passing on Thursday brought life across the country to a halt. In the days since, respects have been paid in the correct way - from the rolling TV coverage on our screens to the mass gatherings on display outside Buckingham Palace and beyond.
The one decision that came under more scrutiny than most was the one to scrap all football in England last weekend. The Premier League announcement that dropped on Friday felt, in some ways, like the easy way out. Opting to cancel games was always going to bring less backlash as opposed to continuing with the proposed schedule - and it was always going to take a brave call to go against what was seen as convention.
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But other sports managed to show their respect, taking the monumental news in their stride and reacting in the correct way at short notice. Rugby games went ahead with reference to Her Majesty's passing, Formula 1 cars donned touching messages to The Queen, 'God Save the King' was belted out at the cricket and a two-minute period of silence was observed on the golf course, as staff, caddies and players paid tribute at the BMW PGA Championship.
Football supporters wanted to do their bit too. Fans packed on the terraces, belting out the national anthem side by side, coming together after such an unprecedented event and supporting one another with the light relief that top-level sport brings.
Football's response to cancel it all felt rushed. From the great heights of the Premier League to the lowly level of grassroots football, players and supporters were denied to gather and respond to this event of huge national significance together.
Reports suggest fears of football fans disrupting planned tributes may have contributed to the postponement of games across the footballing pyramid. Yet Newcastle United's scheduled opponents on Sunday, West Ham United, gave a glimpse into what we would have witnessed at grounds up and down the country with their impromptu rendition of 'God Save The Queen' on Thursday evening in the Europa League.
Of course, it was a tricky position for the Premier League last week. Whatever decision they took was always going to be scrutinised and disliked by sections of the population. It is positive to see the right decision has been made in regards to upcoming fixtures in the EFL and National League.
For Newcastle United, the prospect of almost an entire month without club football is a disastrous thought for fans on Tyneside. I have no doubt St James' Park will come together on Saturday to pay their respects to Her Majesty in the correct way if given the chance.
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