Get all your news in one place.
100’s of premium titles.
One app.
Start reading
Manchester Evening News
Manchester Evening News
National
John Scheerhout

Manchester United vs Leeds called off because GMP officers will be in London for the Queen's funeral

Manchester's United's clash with Leeds has been postponed due to policing concerns.

The Premier League match was set to be played at Old Trafford on Sunday. However, Greater Manchester Police officers are being sent to London for the Queen's funeral, the following day, which will stretch resources.

The match between United and Leeds is considered a 'category A' fixture, which would require extra policing compared to other fixtures. Liverpool's visit to Chelsea and Brighton's fixture against Crystal Palace have also been postponed, with the remaining seven fixtures confirmed to go-ahead.

Read more: Exclusive: Ten Hag overseeing wrong-footed training sessions

Chief Inspector Nicholas Hill, of GMP’s Specialist Operations Planning Unit, said: “Greater Manchester Police is supporting forces across the United Kingdom in keeping people safe at locations and events of high-significance following the passing of Her late Majesty Queen Elizabeth II.

“We have plans in place to ensure we can provide this support whilst effectively serving our own communities.

“We are also working with partner agencies to consider the viability of un-related but exceptionally large events in Greater Manchester. This includes the Manchester United vs. Leeds fixture, which has been postponed with the support of the Safety Advisory Group and the club.”

The whole football pyramid from the Premier League down to even children's football was suspended last weekend as a mark of respect following the passing of Queen Elizabeth II on Thursday. United were supposed to face off against Crystal Palace but the match will now be played at a later date which has not yet been decided.

A Manchester United statement said: "Following extensive conversations with the Premier League, Greater Manchester Police and Trafford Council, the decision has been made to postpone Manchester United's Premier League fixture against Leeds United, scheduled to take place at Old Trafford at 14:00 BST on Sunday 18 September.

"This is due to Greater Manchester Police supporting forces across the United Kingdom at locations and events of high significance following the passing of Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II.

"The club reiterates that the safety and security of our fans is paramount and, after considering all available options, we are supportive of the decision that was made in conjunction with the relevant authorities.

"Please note, tickets already purchased for the game will remain valid for the new match date and we will contact ticket holders directly with further information when it is available.

"We appreciate the disappointment and inconvenience this may cause and thank you for your understanding and continued support.

"The fixture will now be rescheduled and updated details will follow in due course."

The Premier League said in a statement: "Following extensive consultation with clubs, police, local Safety Advisory Groups and other relevant authorities, there was no other option but to postpone the three fixtures.

"The Premier League would like to thank the UK Football Policing Unit and other police forces across the country, as well as our broadcast partners, for their support during this process, and will continue to liaise with them ahead of the weekend.

"For the matches being played during the period of National Mourning, tributes will be paid to The Queen at Premier League stadiums.

"New dates for the postponed matches will be announced in due course."

Read next:

Sign up to read this article
Read news from 100’s of titles, curated specifically for you.
Already a member? Sign in here
Related Stories
Top stories on inkl right now
One subscription that gives you access to news from hundreds of sites
Already a member? Sign in here
Our Picks
Fourteen days free
Download the app
One app. One membership.
100+ trusted global sources.