Ex-Fifa official: Liverpool have ‘big’ problem after unprecedented development
Chelsea’s game with Liverpool on Sunday (18 September) may be rescheduled because of the strains on police in London over the weekend, according to Keith Hackett.
Speaking exclusively to Football Insider, the ex-Fifa and Premier League referee suggested police will be called from across the country to help with Queen Elizabeth II’s funeral next Monday (19 September).
Liverpool are due in the capital to face Chelsea the day before but the game is in doubt as the police face the biggest operation in London’s history.
All Premier League games over the weekend were called off as a mark of respect for Queen Elizabeth II.
Liverpool host Ajax in the Champions League on Tuesday (13 September) and that game is set to go ahead.
“The big decision they’ve got is, they should play the midweek games because of the fixture congestion,” Hackett told Football Insider correspondent Connor Whitley.
“I generally think they should consider playing next weekend. With the funeral taking place on Monday perhaps Sunday games will present a bit of a problem, particularly with policing.
“In London in particular there will be heavy requirements for policing. I have no doubt they will be calling in police from all parts of the country. That might be a slight problem.
“A football match is 90 minutes but security lasts for around six hours. That’s the only consideration they will make.
“They’ll be consulting with police and the Department of Culture, Media and Sport to get the guidelines.”
If the game with Chelsea is postponed, Liverpool will not be in Premier League action until October.
Club football pauses for the first international break after next weekend’s games.
In other news, Liverpool have been told a “root and branch review” is needed as major Premier League news is confirmed.