The UK Government have made their stance clear on potential fixture cancellations of Premier League game week seven following the death of Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II.
At around 6 pm (GMT) on Thursday, September 8, 2022, it was announced to the public that at the graceful age of 96 and after 70 years of incredible service to this country. The Queen had passed away peacefully at Balmoral Castle in Scotland after it was revealed earlier during the day that she had been placed under 'medical supervision.'
The news itself broke during Arsenal's opening UEFA Europa League clash against FC Zurich. Once it was out there, all London clubs paid their tributes to the longest reigning Monarch with their own messages on social media. The Gunners stopped their social media coverage of their win on Thursday night, too, as a consequence of this heartbreaking development.
READ MORE: Arsenal vs Everton: What we know about Premier League cancellation after the Queen dies
Unfortunately, the final decision is one that will upset football fans across the country who would have made plans for travel, accommodation and tickets. A statement read: 'At a meeting this morning, Premier League clubs paid tribute to Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II. To honour her extraordinary life and contribution to the nation, and as a mark of respect, this weekend's Premier League match round will be postponed, including Monday evening's game.
'Richard Masters, Premier League Chief Executive, said: "We and our clubs would like to pay tribute to Her Majesty's long and unwavering service to our country. As our longest-serving monarch, she has been an inspiration and leaves behind an incredible legacy following a life of dedication.
"This is a tremendously sad time for not just the nation but also for the millions of people around the world who admired her, and we join together with all those in mourning her passing."
'Further updates regarding Premier League fixtures during the period of mourning will be provided in due course.'
The early hints were leading to the conclusion that there would be a full postponement of fixtures this weekend in the top flight, EFL and FAWSL, but the UK Government's official advice actually tells a different story in itself. As reported by The Athletic, the UK Government has told football leagues that games can go ahead as scheduled this weekend, but the final decision has been left in the hands of the governing bodies.
In a statement titled 'Guidance for the Period of National Mourning', the full thing reads: "There is no obligation to cancel or postpone events and sporting fixtures, or close entertainment venues during the National Mourning period. This is at the discretion of individual organisations. As a mark of respect, organisations might wish to consider cancelling or postponing events or closing venues on the day of the State Funeral. They are under no obligation to do so and this is entirely at the discretion of individual organisations. If sporting fixtures or events are planned for the day of the State Funeral, organisations may want to adjust the event timings so they do not clash with the timings of the funeral service and associated processions. As a mark of respect, and in keeping with the tone of National Mourning, organisers may wish to hold a period of silence and/or play the National Anthem at the start of events or sporting fixtures, and players may wish to wear black armbands."
Friday's EFL games between Burnley-Norwich and Tranmere Rovers-Stockport County were postponed after the organisation released this statement, which read: "Today, the EFL was deeply saddened to hear of the passing of Her Majesty, The Queen Elizabeth II.
"Over a 70-year reign, Her Majesty proudly served the United Kingdom and the Commonwealth with distinction.
"The Queen had a keen interest in sport, including football. Her Majesty attended numerous FA Cup Finals throughout her reign and was an advocate for our national sport through her many years of service.
"The Monarch was at Wembley Stadium in 1966 for perhaps our national game's most famous moment to present captain Bobby Moore with the Jules Rimet Trophy after England beat West Germany to win the World Cup.
"On behalf of the League and its Clubs, we join the rest of the nation and people across the world in mourning the passing of our Queen, Elizabeth II.
"The thoughts of everybody at the EFL and our Clubs are with the Royal Family at this sad time for our country."
Consideration in respect of EFL fixtures will be discussed with the Government and the wider sport sector during the period ahead, and an appropriate announcement will be made at the earliest opportunity.
One of the major issues that caused a real problem for footballing authorities when contemplating the decision lied in the absence of Police Officers at grounds across the UK. Official guidance adds that no events should go ahead on the day of a state funeral itself, but nothing was said for the other days.
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