LONDON, ENGLAND - MARCH 29: The Arsenal badge can be seen on the side of the Emirates stadium, home of Arsenal FC, on the side of a building on March 29, 2021 in London, England. (Photo by Chloe Knott - Danehouse/Getty Images)
The passing of Queen Elizabeth II saw the Premier League rather hastily opt to postpone the weekend’s fixtures, including Arsenal’s hosting of Everton, but the Gunners’ schedule could resume as normal from here on out.
While sporting events up and down the country were understandably postponed on Friday, the day after Her Majesty’s death, the government didn’t force the Premier League and EFL to cancel the weekend’s games and they instead left the decision with the governing bodies.
Contrary to popular opinion, it was decided that no football across the UK would take place this weekend – even grassroots matches were cancelled!
The Oval honours Queen Elizabeth II with a minute's silence before the test match against South Africa. pic.twitter.com/9qpi0im0gF
— Sky Sports News (@SkySportsNews) September 10, 2022
Other sports, however, opted to play and pay their respects to the Queen. There were particularly poignant scenes before the start (day three) of the third Test match between England and South Africa at the Oval on Saturday amid a passionate rendition of ‘God Save the King’.
Such scenes would’ve been ubiquitous across football stadia this weekend, but there were reported fears from those in power that the respect shown at the cricket wouldn’t be replicated by football supporters.
🚨 There are concerns, however, that next weekend’s round of Premier League games – with Arsenal due to play Brentford on the Sunday – are at risk of also being called off. [@TheAthleticUK] #afc
The postponement of the weekend’s games will only add more strain to an already jam-packed schedule further down the line, and there are fears that next weekend’s fixtures would also be cancelled due to the state funeral.
However, the Queen’s funeral will be held on Monday 19 September which could allow next Saturday and Sunday’s Premier League fixtures to take place. Although, there are still some concerns over policing – or lack thereof.
Arsenal are scheduled to face Brentford away from home next Sunday.
Before that, though, the Gunners are taking on PSV Eindhoven in the second group game of their Europa League campaign. They kick-started their European venture with a 2-1 win over FC Zurich last Thursday and currently sit atop Group A after PSV were held at home by FK Bodo/Glimt.
Arsenal can no longer ignore the impressive Eddie Nketiah
The Athletic reported on Friday that the upcoming contest at the Emirates is likely to go ahead after Arsenal were given the all-clear by the Metropolitan Police.
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