Football returns after pause to mark Queen’s death

Football is returning after a pause following the death of Queen Elizabeth II last week.

From Monday, National League fixtures will restart and midweek English Football League fixtures are expected to start again.

The EFL and Premier League have yet to make official statements.

Some matches could be affected by a lack of resources such as police, but issues will be reviewed on a game-by-game basis.

A spokesperson for the National Police Chiefs Council said: “UK Policing is working closely with other organisations to ensure events are held safely and with the appropriate security.

“Following the decisions of the Premier League and English Football League to cancel this weekend’s matches, we will work with football clubs to try and ensure that, where possible, football fixtures can take place safely when balanced against the requirement to support national events and deliver day to day policing.

“This is a unique situation and we are working closely with everyone involved.”

In a statement earlier on Sunday, the National League – the fifth tier of English football – said: “The League can confirm fixtures scheduled for week commencing Monday, 12 September will go ahead as scheduled.

“Clubs are asked, for all fixtures up until the funeral, to observe a one-minute silence prior to the game and to wear black armbands as a mark of respect.”