Premier League football may well restart before the Queen's state funeral after the National League revealed its own plans to continue with upcoming fixtures this week. Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II will be laid to rest on Monday September 19, with King Charles III confirming the day will be a bank holiday.
Top flight football chiefs decided against games going ahead over the weekend as a mark of respect following The Queen's passing. However, the Department for Culture, Media and Sport (DCMS) have said their guidance will remain the same this coming week, meaning sporting bodies have complete control as to which events go ahead.
The National League released a statement on Sunday, confirming games will take place in England's fifth-tier throughout this week. The Premier League and EFL may now have no choice but to follow suit, allowing Newcastle United to face Bournemouth at St James' Park on Saturday afternoon.
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The National League statement read: "The League can confirm that further to the announcement that the funeral for Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II will be held on Monday 19 September, National League fixtures for week commencing Monday 12 September will go ahead as scheduled.
"Clubs, for all fixtures up until the funeral, will observe a one-minute silence prior to the game and will wear black armbands as a mark of respect to Her Majesty."
Sections of the football community criticised the Premier League and EFL decision to cancel fixtures over the weekend, as golf, rugby and other sporting events continued as normal. Newcastle's scheduled clash with West Ham at the London Stadium was postponed as a result of the decision.
The Premier League is poised to make a decision in the coming days as to whether football will return before the state funeral next week. Reports have suggested some games in the capital may be rescheduled due to policing demands, however, this wouldn't affect the Magpies.
"Whether matches go ahead is a matter for the football authorities," the Met Police said over the weekend. "If fixtures do take place, the Met will work with the relevant partners and ensure that appropriate policing plans are in place."
Newcastle supporters will be keen to see their side return to the field this weekend, as Eddie Howe's side welcome Bournemouth to Tyneside. Should top flight football not return until after the funeral, Newcastle wouldn't play until October 1 when they are set to play Fulham at Craven Cottage.
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