Premier League postpones three games but EFL return to play as England mourn Queen's passing

September 13 - Ahead of Queen Elizabeth's funeral next Monday, three Premier League games scheduled for this weekend have been postponed, but tonight (Tuesday) EFL and National League matches will resume, as well as a full series of FA Trophy matches.

Liverpool host Ajax in the Champions League tonight, although Arsenal's Europa League game in the capital against PSV Eindhoven on Thursday has been postponed.

In the Premier League, Manchester United v Leeds United, Chelsea v Liverpool and Brighton & Hove Albion v Crystal Palace have all been postponed, the latter due to a national railway strike which has been called in the meantime.

"Seven of the 10 Premier League matches this weekend will be played, with three matches postponed due to events surrounding the Queen's funeral," the Premier League said in a statement.

"After extensive consultations with clubs, police, local safety advisory groups and other relevant authorities, there was no choice but to postpone all three matches.

"For matches played during the period of national mourning, tributes will be paid to the Queen in Premier League stadiums."

The league has clarified that new dates will be announced in due course for all three matches.

Manchester United said their game was postponed because Greater Manchester Police are 'supporting forces across the UK at places and events of great importance' following the Queen's death.

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The Women's Super League and Women's Championship, FA Cup Second Round Qualifiers, Women's FA Cup, lower tiers of the English football pyramid and all grassroots football matches will however resume on Tuesday.< /p>

“After a period of pause and reflection for our domestic match, we can confirm that matches will resume as scheduled,” the FA said on Monday. The English governing body added that next Monday, the day of the Queen's funeral, all scheduled matches will be postponed.

The EFL said on Monday tributes would be paid to the Queen at grounds across England.

"A minute's silence will be observed before matches, with black armbands to be worn by participants, flags at half mast and the national anthem to be played in the stadiums," the EFL said. "With a national policing plan now in effect, the League and clubs will continue to work with the forces regarding any challenges that may arise regarding the policing of specific fixtures." /p>

The postponement of top-flight matches as well as matches at grassroots level last weekend drew criticism from fans and the media as cricket, horse racing and rugby continued. The postponement will create a headache for schedule makers, with the current fixture list proving to be the busiest ever due to the Winter World Cup in Qatar.

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