Premier League postponements: Man Utd vs Leeds to be rescheduled but Wolves vs Man City still on

Three Premier League matches will be moved from this weekend, including Manchester United’s game.
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The Premier League have confirmed that Manchester United’s Premier League game against Leeds United will be postponed this weekend after ‘consultation with clubs, police, local Safety Advisory Groups’.

The match, which was due to be played on Sunday, is among three games to be rescheduled, along with Chelsea vs Liverpool and Brighton & Hove Albion vs Crystal Palace.

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However, Manchester City’s clash with Wolverhampton Wanderers on Saturday will still be played.

The decision was made due to policing issues, with large numbers of officers set to be redeployed for the Queen’s funeral and other local events which will accompany the service.

In a statement the league said: “Premier League fixtures will resume this weekend after a pause to the season as a mark of respect following the passing of Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II.

“Seven of the 10 Premier League fixtures this weekend will be played, with three matches postponed due to events surrounding The Queen’s funeral.

The Premier League have decided to postpone three weekend fixtures.The Premier League have decided to postpone three weekend fixtures.
The Premier League have decided to postpone three weekend fixtures.
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“In addition, kick-off times will change for two Premier League matches.

“Matches postponed on Sunday 18 September are Chelsea’s matches against Liverpool at Stamford Bridge, and Manchester United’s home match v Leeds United.

“Brighton & Hove Albion’s fixture against Crystal Palace, that was due to be played at 15:00 BST on Saturday 17 September, will also remain postponed.

“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.

United vs Leeds will be rearranged for later in the season. Credit: Getty.United vs Leeds will be rearranged for later in the season. Credit: Getty.
United vs Leeds will be rearranged for later in the season. Credit: Getty.
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“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.”

It follows the decision last week by the Premier League and FA to postpone all fixtures, meaning United will have to find two free slots to try and arrange their games against Palace and Leeds.

Wolves vs Man City will go ahead as planned. Credit: Getty.Wolves vs Man City will go ahead as planned. Credit: Getty.
Wolves vs Man City will go ahead as planned. Credit: Getty.
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However, due to the heavy fixture congestion, the only guaranteed free dates before March are 17/18 January and 4/5 February.

Further availability could present itself depending on United’s success in the various cup competitions, likewise with City, although they will only have one match to reschedule, against Tottenham Hotspur.

In a statement, United said the decision to postpone Sunday’s game was: “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.”

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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.”