PSV Eindhoven have confirmed that Thursday’s match against Arsenal at the Emirates Stadium will go ahead as planned despite this weekend’s Premier League postponements.
All top-flight, EFL, WSL and even grassroots football was scrapped over the weekend – as well as Monday night’s fixture between Leeds United and Nottingham Forest – as a mark of respect following the Queen’s death.
But all seven Premier League sides involved in European matches in mid-week are set to play their matches, with PSV issuing a brief statement confirming that Thursday’s game will be played.
‘Arsenal vs PSV update: the match will be played in with supporters,’ read , with more information to come on Sunday.
There had been question marks over whether English sides’ involvement in European matches would be affected, but the government and police have communicated to clubs that games can still be played.
The Met Police informed Arsenal on Friday that they were and official confirmation from the north London club is expected on Sunday.
Chelsea are also at home in their Champions League group stage clash with RB Salzburg on Wednesday night, which is also expected to be given the green light.
Policing concerns are less of a problem outside of the capital, so Liverpool’s showdown with Ajax and Manchester City’s match with Borussia Dortmund – both home fixtures – are set to be played as planned.
Tottenham, West Ham and Manchester United are all playing away from home so their matches will not be affected.
While many sports – such as cricket and rugby – continued over the weekend, football made the unusual decision to postpone all matches at every level.
That was done as a mark of respect to the Queen, who was a patron of the Football Association, but next weekend’s matches are also at risk of being postponed over policing issues.
With Her Majesty’s funeral taking place on Monday 19 September, it could be difficult to stage matches in London over the preceding weekend as people flock to the capital to pay their respects.
As things stand, the government and Met Police have only advised against holding any sporting events on Monday week, but Sunday’s matches in London – which includes Brentford against Arsenal and Chelsea against Liverpool – could be under threat of postponement.
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