This weekend’s Premier League matches were postponed after a decision was made by clubs in an emergency meeting on Friday morning, following the Queen’s death.
The Government had issued guidance saying sports were under no obligation to cancel events but it was decided this weekend’s fixtures would be moved while the nation mourns.
Richard Masters, Premier League CEO, 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.
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Six Premier League games had been set to take place on Saturday, including the lunchtime match between Fulham and Chelsea and the top-six clash between Manchester City and Tottenham Hotspur in the evening. On Sunday, a further three games had been slated, with Leeds United and Nottingham Forest scheduled for Monday.
The Premier League did not specify when these matches would be rearranged for, amid a busy schedule with the mid-season World Cup starting in November, while it remains unclear whether the following weekend’s set of fixtures will be postponed as well.
The EFL has also postponed all of its fixtures, having already called off the Championship game between Burnley and Norwich and League Two game involving Stockport and Tranmere.
On a call with sports leaders on Friday morning representatives from the Department for Digital, Culture, Media and Sport told those present that the decision would be left in their hands.
Organisations have been advised to adjust timings for any sporting events on the day of the Queen’s State Funeral, to avoid a clash with the service and associated processions.
The Royal Family is expected to announce an official date and time of the Queen’s funeral shortly, but per Operation London Bridge it could be held on Monday 19 September.
Government guidance advised: “There is no obligation to cancel or postpone events and sporting fixtures, or close entertainment venues during the National Mourning period. This is at the discretion of individual organisations.
“As a mark of respect, organisations might wish to consider cancelling or postponing events or closing venues on the day of the State Funeral. They are under no obligation to do so and this is entirely at the discretion of individual organisations.
“If sporting fixtures or events are planned for the day of the State Funeral, organisations may want to adjust the event timings so they do not clash with the timings of the funeral service and associated processions.
“As a mark of respect, and in keeping with the tone of National Mourning, organisers may wish to hold a period of silence and/or play the National Anthem at the start of events or sporting fixtures, and players may wish to wear black armbands.”
Thursday’s European ties involving British clubs went ahead as planned, with players from Arsenal, Hearts, Manchester United and West Ham all holding a minute’s silence.
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