Arsenal v PSV game postponed due to police shortage after death of Queen Elizabeth II

Thursday's Europa League match affected with other games taking place in London this week also in doubt

Players of Manchester United observe a minute's silence after the death of Queen Elizabeth II prior to the Europa League match against Real Sociedad at Old Trafford on September 8, 2022. Getty

The giant screen displays a picture of Queen Elizabeth II as players of Zurich and Arsenal observe a minute's silence before the second half of their Europa League match in St Gallen, Switzerland, on September 8. Getty

The stadium during a minute's silence after the passing of Queen Elizabeth II during Zurich v Arsenal. AP

Flags are lowered at Old Trafford prior to the Europa League match between Manchester United and Real Sociedad. PA

Players walk on to the pitch wearing black arm bands at the Europa Conference League match between West Ham United and Romanian opponents FCSB at London Stadium. Getty

West Ham United players observe a minute's silence. Getty

The big screen displays a message in memoriam at the London Stadium. PA

West Ham's giant screen at the London Stadium. Getty

Players walk on to the pitch wearing black armbands at West Ham. Getty

Arsenal’s Europa League match against PSV Eindhoven on Thursday has been postponed with police resources in London stretched after the death of Queen Elizabeth II last week.

Uefa confirmed on Monday that a new date for the match will be communicated in due course.

European football’s governing body said the postponement was due “to the severe limitations on police resources and organisational issues related to the continuing events surrounding the national mourning for Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II”.

The PA news agency reported that Chelsea’s home Champions League match against Red Bull Salzburg on Wednesday will go ahead as planned, while the midweek EFL programme is unaffected.

Arsenal released a statement which read: “The postponement follows liaison between Uefa, the Metropolitan Police and ourselves, after the passing of Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II.

“We are working with the authorities to reschedule the match and any tickets purchased for this fixture will be valid for the rescheduled date.”

The postponement of a match in London on Thursday would appear to place serious doubt over Premier League and EFL matches taking place in the capital on Saturday and Sunday.

In the Premier League, Tottenham are due to host Leicester on Saturday evening while Brentford host Arsenal and Chelsea are at home to Liverpool on Sunday.

In Scotland, Rangers’ Champions League tie with Napoli has been put back a day to Wednesday, September 14, due to “severe limitations on police resources and organisational issues”.

However, professional domestic football in the country will resume this weekend, the Scottish Football Association said on Monday. The Football Association of Wales said all its competitions can resume from Tuesday.

All EFL matches scheduled for Tuesday and Wednesday are set to go ahead, with clubs planning to pay tribute to the Queen.

Gallery: Queen Elizabeth II sporting memories

“A minute’s silence will be held before matches, with black armbands to be worn by participants, flags to be flown at half-mast and the national anthem to be played in stadiums,” the EFL said in a statement.

There has been plenty of conjecture since the postponement of the weekend’s Premier League fixtures about how Liverpool fans, some of whom have regularly booed the national anthem at recent finals and the FA Community Shield, would respond to a show of respect for the monarchy.

However, Reds manager Jurgen Klopp insists the club’s fans do not need any advice on observing a minute’s silence in memory of the Queen.

The club have asked Uefa to be able to mark the occasion of the Queen’s death ahead of their Champions League home match with Ajax.

Klopp said it should not even be a subject for debate. “I think it is the right thing to do, but I don’t think our people need any kind of advice from me for showing respect,” he said.

“There are plenty of examples where people showed exactly the right respect; one which surprised me and I was really proud of that moment was last season when we played Manchester United around a very sad situation with Cristiano Ronaldo’s family [fans applauded in sympathy following the death of his newborn son].

“And that is what I expect. For me, it is clear that’s what we have to do. That’s it.”