Credit: Imago

Rahul Lakhani

Mon 21 April 2025 15:00, UK

Tottenham are set to face Nottingham Forest in the Premier League, but there was huge news elsewhere as Pope Francis passed away.

Spurs have little to play for in the Premier League, while Nottingham Forest are pushing for a top-five spot.

Pope Francis passed away aged 88 in Vatican City, starting a period of mourning in a lot of countries across the world. Four Serie A fixtures in Italy have been postponed as a result.

The Premier League have now issued a statement following the death of the Pope with regard to Tottenham’s clash with Forest, which will see Nuno Espirito Santo return to face Tottenham again.

Premier League statement ahead of Spurs v Forest

Following the postponement of four Serie A fixtures, many wondered if the Premier League would follow suit over Spurs’ clash with Forest, but this will not be the case.

They have now issued a statement in response to the Pope’s death, and left it to the clubs to decide how to pay tribute to the religious leader.

“We are not planning anything centrally, but the clubs can of course decide if they want to do any tributes,” they stated, as per Sports Bible (21 April).

Neither Tottenham nor Forest have posted any tributes to the Pope on their X accounts, but did wish their Christian followers a Happy Easter on Sunday.

Tottenham v Nottingham Forest not a priority

Ange Postecoglou has enjoyed a positive week in a dismal season as Spurs reached the Europa League semi-finals after beating Eintracht Frankfurt away.

Dominic Solanke’s goal sent Spurs through, and they will face Norwegian side Bodo/Glimt home and away in the coming weeks.

With Spurs disappointing in the league, the upcoming Premier League games are vastly unimportant compared to the Europa League matches, and Postecoglou is likely to rest a lot of players as a result.

Spurs fell to a 4-2 defeat to Wolves in their last league outing, but more losses can be expected as Tottenham’s real priorities lie elsewhere.