Newcastle United's scheduled clash with West Ham United this Sunday has been postponed following the passing of Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II. The Premier League confirmed the news on Friday morning, announcing all top flight football would be cancelled in the coming days as a mark of respect.
English clubs have a tight schedule to adhere to this season with the 2022 World Cup wreaking havoc with the domestic schedule. As such, it is now unlikely to the Magpies will face their east London counterparts until after the Qatar showpiece has concluded.
The next available midweek date for Premier League games to be played looks to be in January, with the upcoming international break, European competitions and Carabao Cup fixtures making it difficult to fit extra games in before the turn of the year.
FULL STORY: Newcastle United vs West Ham off as Premier League postpone games following Queen's death
The Premier League have announced further updates regarding fixtures during the period of mourning will be provided in due course. Official guidance issued by the UK Government states there is no obligation for sporting bodies to cancel fixtures, although matches are likely to be rearranged should they fall on the day of The Queen’s funeral.
The official guidance read: “There is no obligation to cancel or postpone events and sporting fixtures, or close entertainment venues during the National Mourning period. This is at the discretion of individual organisations.
“As a mark of respect, organisations might wish to consider cancelling or postponing events or closing venues on the day of the State Funeral. They are under no obligation to do so and this is entirely at the discretion of individual organisations."
Newcastle are currently scheduled to face Bournemouth at St James' Park on Saturday September 17 before the international break rolls around. However, this game could be under threat should it clash the Queen's state funeral at Westminster Abbey next weekend.
Should Eddie Howe not face his former side next Saturday, Newcastle will have missed almost an entire month of football by the time the next domestic fixture rolls around. The Magpies last played on September 3 in the draw with Crystal Palace and may not return to action until October 1 for an away trip to Fulham.
A club statement on Friday read: "A decision on Newcastle United's home fixture against AFC Bournemouth at 3pm on Saturday, 17th September will be made in consultation with the Premier League next week."
Tickets bought by Newcastle supporters for the trip to West Ham will be valid for the rearranged fixture. Supporters can also claim an e-voucher for the cost of their train ticket. Many supporters travel to London away games via direct train and the Book with Confidence scheme - adhered to by most railway companies including LNER - allows for a change of plan.
