Will West Ham v Newcastle United go ahead? Premier League latest as country mourns the death of Queen Elizabeth II

Newcastle United are waiting to discover whether their Premier League fixture at West Ham United on Sunday will go ahead after Queen Elizabeth II’s sad death.

In a statement, Buckingham Palace confirmed at 6:30pm on Thursday: “The Queen died peacefully at Balmoral this afternoon.

“The King and the Queen Consort will remain at Balmoral this evening and will return to London tomorrow.”

Following the Queen’s death, her eldest son will lead the country in mourning as the new King, Charles III.

The United Kingdom will now enter a period of mourning - with football fans now wondering if this weekend’s fixtures will take place as planned:

Will West Ham v Newcastle United be cancelled after the Queen’s passing?

The passing of the Queen has started a period of mourning across the United Kingdom, as detailed in a document called “Operation Unicorn”.

As part of that plan, which is set out for the nine days following the monarch’s death, sports fixtures are likely to be postponed.

Various other events would also be cancelled, while the Stock Exchange would close, and Parliament would hastily reconvene if not in session.

Flags across the country would be put to half mast, and TV and radio stations would broadcast alternative schedules.

Will football fixtures be cancelled now the Queen has died? Effect on Premier League and EFL matches

Newcastle United await official confirmation from the Premier League, who is expected to provide an update on Friday morning (September 9).

Meanwhile, a statement by the English Football League read: “Consideration in respect of EFL fixtures will be discussed with the Government and the wider sport sector during the period ahead and an appropriate announcement will be made at the earliest opportunity.”

West Ham’s Europa Conference League fixture with FCSB will go ahead as planned, with players wearing armbands and a minute’s silence to be held before kick-off.

What was cancelled in the wake of Princess Diana’s death?

When Princess Diana tragically passed away on Sunday August 31, 1997, a number of events were cancelled or postponed.

From a footballing perspective, a Premier League match between Liverpool and Newcastle United that was due to take place later in the day was called off.

Likewise, all Football League matches that were scheduled to take place on Saturday, September 6 were either moved to the previous Friday or the following Sunday as the nation observed the day of Diana’s funeral. There were no Premier League matches scheduled due to international fixtures.

Ten days after Princess Diana’s death, the England national team went ahead with a World Cup qualification fixture against Moldova, with both sides wearing black ribbons as a mark of respect. A minute’s silence was also held prior to kick-off.