Queen’s death: Sporting events postponed with Premier League yet to make decision | UK News
A number of scheduled sporting events have been postponed after the death of the Queen, with further decisions regarding the weekend’s fixtures set to be taken on Friday.
The death of Queen Elizabeth II, who was Britain’s longest-reigning monarch, was announced by Buckingham Palace on Thursday evening.
Sports stars and governing bodies have paid tribute to Her Majesty, and event organisers have been considering the best course of action.
Worldwide tributes pour in for ‘remarkable’ Queen – live updates
Although many have already announced their decisions, the Premier League has still not revealed its plans, with an update expected on Friday morning.
Here are all the sporting events that have been postponed:
Racing
Arguably the Queen’s favourite sport, racing events have also been postponed this weekend.
Races at Southwell and Chelmsford on Thursday evening were abandoned after the news of her death.
The British Horseracing Authority announced that meetings scheduled for Friday – including the third day of the St Leger meeting at Doncaster – have been cancelled.
Football
The English Football League postponed two matches scheduled for Friday – Burnley v Norwich in the Championship and Tranmere v Stockport in League Two.
The Scottish Professional Football League has also postponed its Championship contest between Dundee and Cove Rangers as a mark of respect.
Manchester United’s home clash in the Europa League with Real Sociedad went ahead on Thursday night, with the club saying: “Following direction from the FA and UEFA, tonight’s UEFA Europa League fixture against Real Sociedad will take place as planned at Old Trafford.”
A minute’s silence was held before kick-off, both teams wore black armbands and flags at Old Trafford flew at half-mast in a show of respect.
The Northern Ireland Football League announced that Friday night’s matches between Cliftonville and Glentoran and Larne and Dungannon had been postponed.
Rugby
Northampton announced the postponement of their Premiership Rugby Cup clash against Saracens scheduled for Thursday evening.
The Scottish Rugby Union has delayed all domestic competitive games this weekend as a mark of respect, and the women’s summer Test international between Scotland and Spain on Sunday is also off.
The RFL postponed Friday’s Betfred Championship fixture between Sheffield Eagles and Dewsbury Rams, but the first Super League elimination play-off between Catalans Dragons and Leeds will go ahead as it is taking place in Perpignan, France.
Further announcements about the weekend’s fixtures at all levels were set to be made “as soon as possible”, the governing body said.
Cricket
The England and Wales Cricket Board announced that Friday’s play in the men’s third Test between England and South Africa at the Oval would not take place.
Golf
Play was suspended on the first day of the PGA Championship golf at Wentworth when news of the Queen’s death was announced, and the European Tour has confirmed there will be no play on Friday.
“Out of respect for Her Majesty and the Royal Family, play has been suspended at the BMW PGA Championship at Wentworth Club for the remainder of Thursday and flags at Wentworth Club will be lowered to half-mast,” a Tour statement said.
“Furthermore, no play will take place at the BMW PGA Championship on Friday and the golf course and practice facilities will be closed. Further updates on the resumption of play will be provided in due course.”
Cycling
Friday’s Tour of Britain stage was promptly cancelled and later on Thursday evening the rest of the tour, which was set to finish on the Isle of Wight on Sunday, was called off entirely.
Formula One
The Italian Grand Prix will go ahead as scheduled on Sunday, with a minute’s silence planned before practice on Friday and another expected before the race.