Will Bristol City v Preston be cancelled now the Queen has died? EFL talks ongoing whether matches go ahead

Bristol City are due to play Preston North End this weekend, but that has been cast into doubt following the passing of Queen Elizabeth II.

The United Kingdom is entering a royal mourning period from now until the Queen’s funeral with more information to come in due course.

Several sporting fixtures have been postponed for today as a mark of respect with a full decision to be made later today on the full fixture schedule and the coming week.

The Championship clash between Burnley and Norwich City, the two teams City are scheduled to play next week as part of a double-header, has been postponed, as has the League Two tie between Tranmere Rovers and Stockport County.

Fans will be keen to know as soon as possible as to whether the matches are off because of pre-booked travel and accommodation for the match with the Lilywhites making a 384-mile-round journey.

Supporters are likely to be able to get a refund on match tickets should matches not go ahead but could face difficulties in getting the other necessities of a match day reimbursed.

What do we know so far?

This applies to the Premier League but a similar approach would be adopted by the EFL. Discussions have been had with the DCMS, which is the Government’s section for the Department for Digital, Culture, Media and Sport, about what is the right thing to do.

Chief executive of the Pl, Richard Masters has told clubs that the league will have to make their ‘own decisions’ with regards to fixture postponements.

Keegan tweeted: "DCMS all sports call, following the Queen’s passing at 0930. PL meeting at 1100. Richard Masters has told clubs that government guidance is unlikely to be ‘definitive’ and they will have to make their own decisions with regards to fixtures.

In simple terms, the respective leagues and clubs are likely to have to decide whether they should play on this weekend or postpone a whole fixture schedule as a mark of respect to the Queen.

What have the EFL said?

After announcing the postponements of Friday night’s fixtures, the English Football League said last night that a meeting would be held

They said: “A determination regarding the remainder of this weekend’s scheduled fixtures will be made following a review of the official mourning guidance, in addition to further consultation with DCMS and other sports on Friday morning.

What have Bristol City said?

The club posted a message of condolence to Elizabeth and her family shortly after her passing was publicly announced on Thursday evening.

Changing their photos on social media channels to a black and white background, City tweeted: “Bristol City is deeply saddened to hear of the passing of Her Majesty The Queen, Elizabeth II.

“Our thoughts and condolences are with The Royal Family and everyone around the world mourning the loss of Her Majesty.”

What have Preston North End said?

Similar to City, tomorrow’s opponents Preston have also sent their messages of support to the Royal Family.

They tweeted: “We join the nation in mourning the passing of Her Majesty The Queen.

“Everyone at Preston North End is saddened by the news and our thoughts are with the Royal Family at this sad and unprecedented time.”

What about preparations for the match?

Both clubs held their press conferences as normal yesterday with both scheduled for the afternoon, which was before it was public knowledge that the Queen had passed away.

Clubs held their training sessions as normal and with a decision yet to be made, players should be expected to train until anything is confirmed.

And other matches?

As well as tomorrow’s match against Preston North End, City are due to play away at Norwich City on Wednesday, September 14 and Burnley on Saturday, September 17.

A decision about those fixtures are likely to be decided today also.