Premier League clubs are worried that next weekend’s round of fixtures could also be postponed after this weekend’s matches were called off in tribute to the late Queen Elizabeth II.
The league’s board voted unanimously in favour of calling this weekend’s schedule off on Friday, with fixtures across the country similarly cancelled – including at grassroots level.
However, the move came in for criticism when other sports – such as rugby union and cricket – decided to play on in the Queen’s honour instead.
The Guardian report that Premier League clubs fear they could lose next weekend’s fixtures too. A state funeral is expected to be held on Monday 19 September, and while there are no top flight games scheduled for that date specifically, there could be further logistical challenges.
The funeral will require a large police operation and so there may be a shortage of security available for football matches, particularly those in London that weekend – Tottenham host Leicester on Saturday, while Brentford play Arsenal and Chelsea face Liverpool on Sunday.
Brighton’s Saturday clash at home to rivals Crystal Palace was postponed due to a planned train strike that day, but industrial action has since been called off due to the Queen’s passing.
Clubs are worried that there will be little to no time to play any further re-arranged fixtures in what is already a packed schedule. The report adds most sides feel it would be better to partially complete the next matchday where possible rather than call it off again entirely.