BOLTON Wanderers’ game against Cheltenham Town on Saturday has been called off, the EFL has confirmed.

All fixtures in the Premier League and EFL have been postponed on September 9 and 10 as a mark of respect to Queen Elizabeth II, who passed away on Thursday.

The Premier League has also confirmed that no games will be played on September 11 or 12.

Wanderers had been due to play at Whaddon Road on Saturday afternoon but will now play their next game at MK Dons on Tuesday, September 13.

A statement from the EFL read: “Further to discussions on Friday morning it has been determined that all EFL fixtures from 9-10 September will be postponed as a mark of respect by the National Sport to the passing of HRH Queen Elizabeth II.

“This is aligned with the approach that the Premier League and the FA will take with their competitions this weekend.

“Further information, in respect of how football, clubs and their supporters will commemorate Her Majesty’s reign will be confirmed at an appropriate point.

“Details regarding rearranged games will be announced in due course.”

Further communication from the EFL, contained on Wanderers’ official website added: “Clearly this is not a decision taken lightly but considered the most appropriate course of action considering the unique circumstances and status of the game in this country."

The decision has split opinion among supporters, many of whom had already spent money on travel and accommodation for the weekend’s game. Clubs also face a financial hit with matches likely to be rescheduled to midweek.

Rugby league, rugby union, golf and cricket will resume this weekend, and the Great North Run will also go ahead, but the major football bodies, including the FA and Premier League, decided cancelling the fixtures would be the correct course of action.

Concerns had mounted over policing resources, particularly in the capital, along with the logistical pressures which could be placed on some areas with added matchday traffic and transport users.

The Department of Culture, Media and Sport have requested that all events which clash with the State Funeral, likely to be Monday, September 19, are cancelled.

But it has already been suggested that next weekend’s fixtures could be affected, with emergency services’ resources stretched to cover the expected demand in London.

The Premier League issued the following statement: “At a meeting this morning, Premier League clubs paid tribute to Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II.

“To honour her extraordinary life and contribution to the nation, and as a mark of respect, this weekend’s Premier League match round will be postponed, including Monday evening’s game.”

Richard Masters, Premier League Chief Executive, said: “We and our clubs would like to pay tribute to Her Majesty’s long and unwavering service to our country. "As our longest-serving monarch, she has been an inspiration and leaves behind an incredible legacy following a life of dedication. "This is a tremendously sad time for not just the nation but also for the millions of people around the world who admired her, and we join together with all those in mourning her passing.”

“Further updates regarding Premier League fixtures during the period of mourning will be provided in due course.”

Back at the UniBol, and speaking on behalf of the club, Phil Mason, Club Chaplain and CEO of Bolton Wanderers in the Community, said: “It is with great sadness we learn of the death of Queen Elizabeth II.

“Our thoughts and prayers here at Bolton Wanderers are with all the Queen’s family at this time of great loss for them all and, indeed, for the nation.

“The Queen has given our country loyal service all her life and duty to the very end.

“She is a role model for us all in her dedication, commitment and dignity; values for us all to aspire to at our Club, town and country.

“As we mourn such loss, we also pray for our new King as he grieves the loss of his mother.”