Western Morning News (Saturday)
Matches are called off as football pays its respects
Premier League games right down to grassroots level are called off this weekend
PLYMOUTH Argyle, Exeter City and Torquay United’s weekend fixtures will not take place. The Premier League and EFL have postponed all games from September 9-10 as a mark respect to the passing of Her Majesty, Queen Elizabeth II.
The FA have subsequently announced that all fixtures scheduled at all levels this weekend will be postponed, from the Premier League down to grassroots and women;s football
The Grecians were due to travel to London in League One action to face Charlton Athletic, while Argyle were at home to Sheffield Wednesday. The Gulls were set to take on Aldershot Town in the National League at Plainmoor.
A statement from the EFL issued at 11.31am read: “Further to discussions on Friday morning it has been determined that all EFL fixtures from 9-10 September will be postponed as a mark of respect by the National Sport to the passing of HRH
“This is aligned with the approach that the Premier League and the FA will take with their competitions this weekend.
“Further information, in respect of how football, clubs and their supporters will commemorate Her Majesty’s reign will be confirmed at an appropriate point. Details regarding rearranged games will be announced in due course.”
Argyle, City and Torquay have said they will provide a further update for supporters in due course regarding tickets and existing hospitality bookings for the fixture.
A statement from the Football Association read as follows: “Her Majesty The Queen was a longstanding patron of The Football Association and has left a lasting and idelible legacy on our national game.
“As a mark of respect, following the passing of Her Majesty The Queen, English football has united to postpone all football fixtures between 9-11 September.
“The FA can confirm that all football fixtures across the Barclays Women’s Super League, Barclays Women’s Championship, the Vitality Women’s FA Cup and the Isuzu FA Trophy will be postponed this weekend.
“We can also confirm that all football fixtures across the National League System, Steps 1-6, including the Vanarama National Leagues, the Women’s Football Pyramid, Tiers 3-7, and matches across grassroots football in England will be postponed.
“The Premier League and the EFL have all confirmed that their fixtures this weekend will be rescheduled for a later date.
“All flags at Wembley Stadium and St George’s Park will continue to fly at half mast over the weekend. Our thoughts remain with our president, HRH The Duke of Cambridge, and the whole of the Royal Family during this time.”
The Cabinet Office had issued guidance for the public and businesses on the period of National Mourning for Her Majesty, Queen Elizabeth II earlier yesterday morning.
Under major events, entertainment and sports, it stated: “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.”