Will Bristol Rovers matches with MK Dons, Ipswich Town and Lincoln City go ahead? Latest after Queen’s passing

Bristol Rovers are due to travel to Buckinghamshire this weekend to face Milton Keynes Dons this weekend but that has been cast into doubt.

Following the passing of Queen Elizabeth II, who served on the throne for 70 years, the status of sporting fixtures are up in the air.

The United Kingdom has entered a period of mourning and as such, football matches may be postponed to show a ‘mark of respect’ both this weekend and for the funeral.

Supporters are keen for clarity given they will have made travel and accommodation arrangements to attend a football match to support their team.

For Gas supporters, they are scheduled to make the 218 mile-round trip to Milton Keynes to support their team.

Here is the latest on whether this weekend’s matches will go ahead.

What has been said?

Julian Knight, who chairs the UK Government’s Department for Culture, Media and Sport, has confirmed their position.

The advice is that no sporting events should take place this weekend or on the day of the Queen’s funeral.

He did confirm that the final decision is up to the individual sporting bodies.

In a statement, it read: “There is no obligation to cancel or postpone events and sporting fixtures, or close entertainment venues during the National Mourning period. This is at the discretion of individual organisations.

“As a mark of respect, organisations might wish to consider cancelling or postponing events or closing venues on the day of the State Funeral.

“They are under no obligation to do so and this is entirely at the discretion of individual organisations.”

To simplify, it will be up to the English Football League whether the fixtures for Saturday go ahead, though they have already cancelled tonight’s fixtures between Burnley and Norwich City, as well as Tranmere Rovers versus Stockport County.

What about preparations for the match?

Bristol Rovers and host club MK Dons conducted their pre-match press conference as normal and both did their training sessions.

Players should have trained as normal on Friday morning before waiting to hear the final decision to avoid not being prepared enough should games go ahead.

When should we expect to find out?

An announcement is due ‘imminently’ but that is expected to come later this afternoon.

What about the matches against Ipswich Town and Lincoln City?

Next week’s match with Ipswich Town could go ahead based on the DCMS only suggesting postponements for this weekend and the day of the funeral.

No date has been confirmed yet for the Queen’s funeral, but it is expected to take place either on Sunday, September 18 or Monday, September 19, which is a day after the home match against Lincoln City is due to take place.

What have Bristol Rovers said?

Following the passing of Queen Elizabeth, Rovers yesterday tweeted: “The thoughts of everyone at Bristol Rovers Football Club are with the Royal Family at this incredibly difficult time. RIP Queen Elizabeth II.”

And MK Dons?

They also showed their respect, by tweeting: “It is with deep sorrow and sadness that Milton Keynes Dons pay tribute to Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II.

“Everyone involved with the Club sends their heartfelt condolences and prayers to The Royal Family at this extremely sad time.”