Football in England has been suspended for the weekend following the death of Queen Elizabeth II on Thursday.
The Premier League and other organizations issued statements today announcing their decisions to postpone matches as a show of respect to the monarch after her 70-year reign, as the UK enters a period of national mourning.
The Premier League statement read: “At a meeting this morning, Premier League clubs paid tribute to Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II. To honor her extraordinary life and her contribution to the nation, and as a mark of respect from her, this weekend’s round of Premier League matches will be postponed, including Monday night’s match.”
As a show of respect to Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II, this weekend’s round of Premier League matches will be postponed.
– Premier League (@premierleague) September 9, 2022
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The decision has caused a split on social media over whether this was the right thing to do, with some, such as Gary Neville, believing the sporting crowds would have given the Queen the respect she deserves.
The reasons for the decision have since been revealed by the Daily Telegraph’s Ben Rumsby, who claims there were four main points in postponing the matches. These are:
1. Elizabeth II was a patron of the FA (she is not a patron of most other sports).
2. His grandson is president of the FA.
3. Football is the national sport.
4. Initial tributes had already been paid in the matches.
Main reasons why I have been told that football was suspended this weekend when others no.1. Elizabeth II was patron of the FA (she is not of most other sports).2. Her grandson is president of the FA.3. Football is the national sport.4. Initial tributes had already been paid at the matches.
— Ben Rumsby (@ben_rumsby) September 9, 2022