British media is reporting that the Premier League will decide on Friday if its weekend fixtures will go ahead, amid the cancellation of several other major sporting events following Queen Elizabeth’s II’s death on Thursday.
This weekend’s 20-team field will feature all twenty teams. Saturday morning sees the London derby between Fulham and Chelsea, and Monday evening is the match between Leeds United (Nortwood Forest) on Monday.
The United Kingdom has entered 10 days of national mourning, which will culminate with the Queen’s funeral.
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There is no obligation to cancel or postpone sporting events, according to Buckingham Palace’s National Mourning Guidance. Numerous sports organisations have suspended events due to the loss of Queen Elizabeth on Thursday, at the age of 95.
The English Football League, which oversees the country’s lower soccer divisions, postponed two matches scheduled for Friday “as a mark of respect.” It said it would make a decision on the rest of the weekend’s schedule after reviewing official mourning guidance and in consultation with the sporting ministry and other sports bodies.
The sixth stage of Tour of Britain cycling race was cancelled by the organizers. It was scheduled to be held on Friday.
According to Reuters, the second day of Friday’s third and decisive cricket match between England and South Africa was discontinued as a sign of respect.
The British Horseracing AuthorityAll events were also temporarily suspended for two days.
The BMW PGA ChampionshipMeanwhile, in Surrey (England), officials have announced suspension of play for Thursday and Friday.
Three Premier League teams played in European competitions on Thursday, with fans observing a moment of silence at half time in Switzerland during the Europa League match between Arsenal and FC Zurich that had already kicked off before the news of the Queen’s passing.
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Later in the evening in England, Manchester United’s players wore black armbands in their Europa League match against Real Sociedad, while fans of West Ham United sung “God Save the Queen” in tribute before a match against Romanian club FCSB in the Europa Conference League.
Soccer, referred to as football in the U.K., is the country’s most popular sport. The Premier League celebrates its 30th year and is broadcast to over 800 million households in 188 nations.
Premier League has over 35 million fans Twitter, posted a message to its account following the Queen’s death. “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,” the statement read.
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