Arsenal’s Europa League clash with PSV OFF over lack of police ahead of Queen’s funeral
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ARSENAL'S Europa League group stage match against PSV has been called off over a shortage of police ahead of the Queen's funeral.
All top-flight, EFL, WSL and grassroots football was scrapped over the weekend as a mark of respect following her Majesty's death last Thursday, aged 96.
Monday night’s fixture between Leeds United and Nottingham Forest was also postponed.
PSV have now confirmed the game against the Gunners on Thursday at the Emirates has been postponed.
This is due to fears over a lack of available policing for English sides playing at home.
In their statement PSV said: "National authorities in Great Britain have decided that insufficient deployment of police personnel is possible due to the funeral services of the British Queen Elizabeth in London."
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Chelsea are playing at home in the Champions League on Wednesday against RB Salzburg and that game will go ahead.
Policing concerns are less of a problem outside of the capital.
Home fixtures for Liverpool against Ajax and Manchester City against Borussia Dortmund will go ahead as planned.
Tottenham, West Ham and Manchester United are all playing away from home and so their fixtures will not be affected.
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However, three of the weekend’s Prem matches have been confirmed as being postponed.
Police resources are required to deal with the lead-up to The Queen's funeral on Monday, September 19.
Chelsea vs Liverpool and Manchester United vs Leeds, both of which were scheduled for Sunday, are now off.
Saturday's clash between Brighton and Crystal Palace had already been postponed due to train strikes, which have subsequently been cancelled.
And Brentford vs Arsenal on Sunday has been brought forward two hours to a 2pm kick off, while Everton against West Ham has been pushed back 15 minutes to 2.15pm.
A Prem statement said: "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.
"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."