The Premier League have announced that fixtures are set to resume this weekend after the top flight took a short break as a mark of respect following the death of Queen Elizabeth II.
All fixtures were postponed last weekend following confirmation of the former monarch’s passing and there was doubt over whether this week’s matches would take place due to police availability ahead of next Monday’s state funeral. However, the Premier League have announced that seven of the upcoming 10 scheduled fixtures will be played.
A 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.”
Did the Premier League make the right decision to cancel Man Utd vs Leeds? Share your thoughts in the comments below!
The decision to postpone the two aforementioned fixtures whilst some are being played has left some confused. The official reason for the postponements of Liverpool’s trip to Chelsea and Manchester United’s clash with Leeds United at Old Trafford are that the two fixtures are defined as ‘Category A’.
Whilst the definition of the category differs between clubs, it represents essentially the highest-risk fixtures when it comes to the number of away supporters and the resultant police presence needed to control crowds.
That can be down to a variety of aspects, whether that be two rivals going head to head or indeed the scheduling of the fixture.
A further statement from the Premier League read: "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."
Brighton versus Crystal Palace remains postponed after it was initially called off due to train strikes, even though the strike action has been suspended.
Meanwhile, Arsenal's Europa League fixture against PSV Eindhoven has also been postponed due to that match being defined as ‘Category A’. It remains to be seen when that Europa League group-stage game will be played due a packed schedule ahead of the upcoming World Cup in Qatar.
