EFL announces teams will return to action on Tuesday after death of Queen

A minute's silence will be held before matches for the late Queen Elizabeth II. Credit: PA Images

The EFL has announced its teams will return to action on Tuesday night following the death of the Queen.

The league’s weekend programme was postponed as a mark of respect but the midweek matches scheduled for Tuesday and Wednesday are set to go ahead, with tributes to be paid to the Queen at games around the country.

Before matches, a minute's silence will be held and the national anthem will also be played. Black armbands will be worn and flags will be flown at half-mast.

Before matches, a minute's silence will be held and the national anthem will also be played. Credit: PA Images

In a statement the EFL said: "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."

It's understood all the midweek EFL matches will go ahead as planned, even those taking place in London.

However, it's not yet certain that all matches in the Premier League or EFL at the weekend will go ahead as planned due to the strain on police resources as a result of the Queen’s state funeral, which will take place next Monday.

Sports governing bodies were meeting again with the Government on Monday to discuss the scheduling of events this weekend.

Discussions with UEFA are ongoing over the scheduled European fixtures this week involving British clubs in the Champions League, Europa League and European Conference League.

Tuesday's fixtures

  • Blackburn Rovers v Watford 7:45pm

  • Huddersfield Town v Wigan Athletic 7:45pm

  • Hull City v Stoke City 7:45pm

  • Middlesbrough v Cardiff City 7:45pm

  • Swansea City v Sheffield United 7:45pm

  • Preston North End v Burnley 8pm

Wednesday's fixtures

  • Luton Town v Coventry City 7:45pm

  • Millwall v Queens Park Rangers 7:45pm

  • Norwich City v Bristol City 7:45pm

  • Rotherham United v Blackpool 7:45pm

  • Reading v Sunderland 8pm

  • West Bromwich Albion v Birmingham City 8pm

Want a quick and expert briefing on the biggest news stories? Listen to our latest podcasts to find out What You Need To Know...