Rangers' Champions League clash with Napoli has been pushed back 24 hours by UEFA European football's governing body during the mourning period for Queen Elizabeth II.
Gio van Bronckhorst's side had been set to host Napoli on Tuesday, September 13 but earlier today it was pushed back 24 hours with UEFA citing "severe limitations on police resources and organisational issues" relating to the sad passing of the monarch. However, some fans have been confused by the decisions to push the game back, with English Premier League sides Liverpool, Chelsea and Manchester City all hosting Champions League group stage games.
Liverpool 's Group A game with Ajax on Tuesday night is set to go ahead with UEFA confirming the round of games will go ahead as planned, excluding Rangers' clash with the Serie A leaders. New Chelsea boss Graham Potter will take his first game at Stamford Bridge on Wednesday against RB Leipzig, while Manchester City are in action at the same time against Borussia Dortmund.
The issue over policing in relation to the Rangers game stems from the Queen's coffin being moved from Balmoral Castle to Edinburgh. Her Majesty's coffin will travel in a hearse to the Palace of Holyroodhouse on Sunday, September 11, where it will rest in the palace throne room.
The public will be able pay their respects during a procession along the Royal Mile to St Giles' Cathedral on September 12. Mourners will be permitted to view the late monarch’s coffin at the cathedral from about 5pm, before members will stand beside the coffin from 7.20pm in a tradition known as the ‘Vigil of the Princes’.
The Queen's coffin will then be flown to London on Tuesday, September 13 - which was the original date of the fixture at Ibrox - ahead of her state funeral. Police Scotland resources are expected to be required in the capital, meaning the game in Glasgow has been pushed back.
With the majority of the focus this week in Scotland, English clubs are able to continue their European fixture list as it stands. However, postponements have already been mooted for London clubs when they return to league duty. The Athletic report that there are concerns over policing being stretched ahead of the state funeral. It could see Tottenham Hotspur, Chelsea and Brentford's games called off next weekend.
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