Football off for the weekend

THE Premier League, EFL and WSL and Scottish leagues have postponed this weekend’s fixtures following the death of Her Majesty The Queen on Thursday.

Sports event organisers from across the UK were involved in a call with Government on Friday morning to discuss the staging of fixtures in the wake of the Queen’s death.

Official Government guidance on the period of mourning published on Friday morning appeared to give them the goahead to stage events as planned this weekend, but advised against putting on anything that would clash with Her Majesty’s funeral.

However, both the Premier League and EFL confirmed the decision had been taken to postpone the next round of fixtures, including Leeds against Nottingham Forest on Monday night.

“At a meeting this morning, Premier League clubs paid tribute to Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II. To honour her extraordinary life and contribution to the nation, and as a mark of respect, this weekend’s Premier League match round will be postponed, including Monday evening’s game,” a statement from the Premier League said.

“Further updates regarding Premier League fixtures during the period of mourning will be provided in due course.”

Premier League chief executive Richard Masters added: “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.

“This is a tremendously sad time for not just the nation but also for the millions of people around the world who admired her, and we join together with all those in mourning her passing.”

Security issues were not a factor in postponing this weekend’s matches, and the decision was taken purely as a mark of respect.

The decision was taken by the Premier League board with the support of top-flight clubs. For next weekend’s games, consideration will be given to the impact of staging matches on policing levels across the country and it is understood that the EFL and its clubs are also discussing the postponement of matches scheduled for Tuesday and Wednesday.

No date has yet been fixed for the Queen’s funeral.

The second day of the Test match between England and South Africa on Friday was cancelled on Thursday evening by the England and Wales Cricket Board, while organisers of the PGA Championship golf also suspended Friday’s play. The British Horseracing Authority confirmed all racing would be cancelled today, with fixtures and events to return tomorrow.