New kick-off time confirmed for Blackpool's game against Sunderland as EFL move games to avoid clash with Prince Philip's funeral

Blackpool’s game against Sunderland on Saturday will now kick off at 12.30pm.
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Blackpool’s game against Sunderland on Saturday will now kick off at 12.30pm.

At the weekend, the EFL announced that, as a mark of respect, all games scheduled to take place at 3pm on Saturday will have to be moved to avoid a clash with Prince Philip’s funeral.

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Talks have since taken place between Blackpool and Sunderland and the two clubs have agreed that this weekend’s encounter at Bloomfield Road will begin at the earlier time of 12.30pm, rather than 5.30pm.

An EFL spokesperson said: “As a mark of respect, EFL matches scheduled for 3pm on Saturday, April 17 will be moved to avoid a clash with the funeral of HRH the Prince Philip, Duke of Edinburgh.

“The EFL will now work with clubs to determine at what time the matches will be played, giving consideration to the timing of the service.

“An announcement will follow in due course.”

Blackpool play host to Sunderland at Bloomfield Road on SaturdayBlackpool play host to Sunderland at Bloomfield Road on Saturday
Blackpool play host to Sunderland at Bloomfield Road on Saturday

A two-minute silence was held before all games at the weekend to mark the passing of Prince Philip, who passed away on Friday at the age of 99.

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His funeral will begin at 3pm inside the grounds of Windsor Castle next Saturday.

Members of the public are not permitted to attend the service due to Covid guidelines, but the funeral will be televised.

A national minute’s silence will also be held before the funeral begins at St George's Chapel.

It was also announced earlier today that Blackpool’s final game of the season, the home fixture against Joey Barton’s Bristol Rovers, will be played on Sunday, May 9, with the game kicking off at noon.

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The League One play-off semi-finals will then get underway on Tuesday, May 18 and culminate on Saturday, May 22.

The play-off final at Wembley will be held at 3pm on Sunday, May 30.

That date comes on the Bank Holiday weekend, with the Championship final taking place on the Saturday and the League Two final taking place on Monday.

With Covid restrictions now being eased, there's a chance a limited number of fans will be able to attend.

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The Seasiders currently sit in fourth position in League One, two points clear of seventh place with a game in hand still to play.

Neil Critchley's side are 12 points adrift of the top two with two games in hand on Peterborough United and three games in hand on Hull City.

The EFL has also revealed the fixtures for the 2021/22 campaign will be released at 9am on Thursday, June 24.

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