Will West Ham United v Newcastle United go ahead? Premier League and EFL issue statements after sad passing of Queen

Queen Elizabeth II has passed away in Balmoral in Scotland, it has been officially confirmed.

“The death of my beloved mother, Her Majesty The Queen, is a moment of the greatest sadness for me and all members of my family,” said the monarch’s son, King Charles III.

Flags at Buckingham Palace and Downing Street have been lowered to half mast.

Rick Parry, Chair of the EFL, said: “Today, the EFL was deeply saddened to hear of the passing of Her Majesty, The Queen Elizabeth II. 

“Over a 70-year reign, Her Majesty proudly served the United Kingdom and the Commonwealth with distinction. 

“The Queen had a keen interest in sport including football. Her Majesty attended numerous FA Cup Finals throughout her reign and was an advocate for our national sport through her many years of service.

“The Monarch was at Wembley Stadium in 1966 for perhaps our national game’s most famous moment to present captain Bobby Moore with the Jules Rimet Trophy after England beat West Germany to win the World Cup.

“On behalf of the League and its Clubs, we join the rest of the nation and people across the world in mourning the passing of our Queen, Elizabeth II. 

“The thoughts of everybody at the EFL and our Clubs are with the Royal Family at this sad time for our country.”

 The statement added that 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.

What are the weekend fixtures?

Sunderland are due to host Millwall, Hartlepool United Doncaster Rovers and Newcastle United are away to West Ham United on Sunday. Middlesbrough are scheduled to face Blackpool away.

Newcastle United are due to face West Ham on Sunday afternoon.

Has the Premier League issued a statement?

The Premier League are yet to issue a statement regarding the weekend fixtures.

They did post a statement on Twitter paying tribute to the Queen.

They tweeted: “The Premier League 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.”