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UK Government advice over next weekend’s football fixtures is set to remain the same, giving the Premier League and English Football League the chance to stage games, with police in London also confident they will have enough resources to staff games.
Both the Premier League and English Football League cancelled this weekend’s fixtures as a mark of respect following the death of Queen Elizabeth II, but other sports are playing on and making their own tributes before play begins.
The football authorities have been criticised for their decision, which meant Manchester City’s game at home to Tottenham today and Manchester United’ s trip to Crystal Palace tomorrow were both postponed.
There has been speculation that next weekend’s fixtures could also fall by the wayside, with the funeral potentially taking place on Monday, September 19.
That could put the Metropolitan Police under considerable pressure, with the possibility of drafting in extra resources from around the country to deal with the crowds expected in the capital.
A Met Police statement to football.london said: “Whether matches go ahead is a matter for the football authorities. If fixtures do take place, the Met will work with the relevant partners and ensure that appropriate policing plans are in place.”
The Department for Culture, Media and Sport (DCMS) have said their guidance will remain the same, which leaves the decision in the hands of the relevant sporting bodies.