The English Premier League has confirmed the postponement of three of ten match week 8 fixtures as preparations for Late Queen Elizabeth’s burial take effect. The three postponed matches include Manchester United vs Leeds, Brighton vs Crystal Palace, and Chelsea vs Liverpool.
In an official statement published on the website of the Premier League, the league governing body made it clear that the postponement was due to the ongoing preparation for the burial of the late Queen Elizabeth II, who is set to be laid to rest on September 19, 2022.
After Buckingham Palace announced that the Queen was put “under medical supervision,” as her doctors raised concerns about her health, it was announced that the Queen died peacefully at her home in Balmoral on September 8, 2022.
The news of Queen’s death came as a shock to many even though she was 96-year-old.
Before now, there were predictions that major sports events may likely be postponed as the Royal Family prepares for the commencement of the burial arrangement.
In a show of respect and reverence, the Premier League joined other high-profile bodies and dignitaries to pay tribute to England’s longest-serving Queen by confirming the postponement of all matchweek 7 fixtures. This came after Irish Leagues, and other low division Leagues had equally called off their scheduled matches.
After postponing all the weekend matches last week, the Premier League had confirmed another postponement of scheduled weekend matches in a separate development. However, this time, not all the matches have been postponed.
Three of the ten Matchweek 8 fixtures has been postponed. Manchester United’s game against Leeds is one of the matches postponed. Brighton’s home clash against Crystal Palace and Chelsea vs Liverpool is equally postponed.
The statement issued by the Premier League to the effect of this postponement states that the decision to postpone the three matches was reached after widespread consultation with the Premier League Policing unit and other relevant stakeholders.
Excerpts from the statement reads: “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.”
The league body also confirmed that ‘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.”
Matches that have have been confirmed to continue as planned on Saturday are Wolves vs Manchester City, Newcastle vs Bournemouth, Spurs vs Leicester City.
On Sunday Brentford vs Arsenal and Everton vs West Ham games will go on as planned.
