(London) 7 matchese Premier League matches scheduled for this weekend have been postponed as a sign of respect following the death of Queen Elizabeth II while minutes will be kept silent at other sporting venues.
Updated September 9th
“When we met this morning (Friday), the English Premier League clubs paid tribute to Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II,” the League said in its statement. “In honor of his exceptional life and contribution to the nation, and as a mark of respect, this weekend’s Premier League match day, including Monday night’s game, will be postponed,” she said.
The Premier League made the decision even though the British government has indicated that the postponement of sports competitions is not mandatory during this period of national mourning.
All matches in the professional lower divisions, the English Women’s Championship and the Scottish Professional League have also been postponed.
“Football is at its best when it brings people together”
A decision that the Football Supporters Association did not like. And in a statement issued at the end of the day, she expressed her belief that “football is at its best when it brings people together in moments of immense national significance, be it moments of joy or moments of mourning.”
“Our view, which was reported to us by the football authorities, is that most of the fans wanted to go to the matches this weekend and honor the Queen in the midst of their matches,” the FSA adds.
Several other sporting events scheduled for Friday and this weekend have been canceled, as a sign of respect for Queen Elizabeth II, who died Thursday at the age of 96, after 70 years of rule.
British horse racing officials have suspended competitions on Friday and Saturday. The British Queen, throughout her life, showed an intense passion for this sport.
“It was a beacon of hope,” says Hamilton.
In cricket, the crucial third test match between England and South Africa, which was scheduled to take place on Friday, has been postponed to Saturday and will be preceded by a minute’s silence.
The PGA golf tournament in Wentworth, near London, was suspended Thursday night following news of the Queen’s death. No matches were played on Friday. Competition will resume on Saturday in a format shortened to 54 holes (instead of 72).
The Tour of Britain, which was due to end on Sunday on the Isle of Wight, has been halted after stage five, which will take place on Thursday, and will not resume.
Ineos Grenadier runners wore black crepe on Friday after the death of the Queen of England, Elizabeth II, on Thursday night. The start of the theater at the Talavera de la Reina was preceded by a minute’s silence for all riders.
On the other hand, the Manchester United football match against Real Sociedad continued on Thursday evening in the European League, but a minute’s silence was observed before kick-off and the players wore black armbands.
Five-time Ballon d’Or winner Cristiano Ronaldo joined the many athletes who offered their condolences to the royal family. The Portugal international posted on his Instagram: “I salute his memory and grieve for this irreparable loss to this country that I consider my country.”
At Monza, where the Italian Formula 1 Grand Prix is taking place this weekend, a minute of silence preceded the first free practice session on Friday (most F1 teams are based in the UK). Another minute of silence must be observed before the start of the race on Sunday.
She has been a beacon of hope for many people and has served her country with dignity, dedication and kindness. Said Lewis Hamilton, the seven-time world champion in Formula 1, who was knighted by Queen Elizabeth in December 2021.
Roger Federer, the “King” of Wimbledon, praised the Queen’s “elegance and grace” while Brazilian football legend Pele said his “legacy will be eternal.”
In New York, where the US Open tennis tournament ends this weekend, Britain’s Joe Salisbury, who won Friday’s doubles final linked to American player Rajiv Ram, wore a black armband on his left arm. His compatriot Neil Skowsky, who reached the final with his Dutch partner Wesley Koolhoff, had a black ribbon on his shirt.
