Newcastle United vs Bournemouth: What the Premier League is ‘expected’ to do amid Queen Elizabeth II’s death

Newcastle United are waiting to discover whether or not Saturday’s Premier League clash with Bournemouth at St James’ Park goes ahead.

The Magpies’ trip to West Ham United last Sunday was postponed following Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II’s sad passing on Thursday.

The Premier League will make a further announcement this week regarding this weekend’s fixture, with Eddie Howe due to face his former side.

Why was West Ham v Newcastle and other weekend fixtures postponed?

Despite government guidance stating “there is no obligation to postpone sporting fixtures”, the Premier League decided to cancel its weekend fixture list as a mark of respect for Her Majesty’s passing.

Richard Masters, Premier League Chief Executive, said: “We and our clubs would like to pay tribute to Her Majesty’s long and unwavering service to our country.

“As our longest-serving monarch, she has been an inspiration and leaves behind an incredible legacy following a life of dedication.

“This is a tremendously sad time for not just the nation, but also for the millions of people around the world who admired her, and we join together with all those in mourning her passing.”

The EFL, National League and FA also aligned with the same approach.

Will midweek fixtures go ahead?

There are no scheduled Premier League midweek fixtures. The EFL and National League do have fixtures, with both organisations confirming those games will go ahead.

An EFL statement read: “The EFL fixture programme will return as scheduled from Tuesday 13 September, with tributes to be paid to Her late Majesty, Queen Elizabeth II at grounds around the country.

“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.

“With a national policing plan now in operation, the League and Clubs will continue to work with forces in respect of any challenges that may emerge regarding policing of specific fixtures.

“Consideration to individual circumstances will be made on a case-by-case basis, in line with standard match Safety Advisory Group (SAG) protocols.”

“Following the postponement of fixtures on Saturday 10 September - The National League would like to issue the following update,” a National League statement read.

“The League can confirm that further to the announcement that the funeral for Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II will be held on Monday 19 September, National League fixtures for week commencing Monday 12 September will go ahead as scheduled.

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

Will Newcastle United vs Bournemouth go ahead?

Newcastle United vs Bournemouth is expected to go ahead as planned on Saturday (September 17) at St James’ Park, as per the Daily Mirror.

The Premier League said last week “further updates regarding fixtures during the period of mourning will be provided in due course.”

Eddie Howe’s side host the Cherries two days before Queen Elizabeth II’s funeral - the final day of the UK’s mourning period - following her passing last Thursday.

However, games staged in London - Chelsea versus Liverpool and Brentford vs Arsenal - are at risk of postponement or having kick-off times changed with police on standby for the State Funeral.