All English Premier League, EPL, Matches this weekend have been postponed as a mark of respect after the death of Queen Elizabeth II, it was announced on Friday.
The English top flight made the choice despite British official advice that it was not required to postpone sporting games during a time of national sorrow.
“At a meeting this morning, Premier League clubs paid tribute to Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II,” the Premier League said in a statement.
“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.”
Additionally, all games in the Women’s Super League and English Football League have been postponed.
As a gesture of respect, other athletic events scheduled for Friday in Britain, such as a Test match of cricket and the PGA Championship of European golf, have been cancelled. These sports might resume this weekend.
However, sporting chiefs have been advised to avoid any clash with a state funeral, the date of which has yet to be announced.
“There is no obligation to cancel or postpone events and sporting fixtures, or close entertainment venues during the national mourning period,” the government said in a guidance statement.
“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.”
On Thursday, pre-game tributes were held before West Ham’s Europa Conference League match against FCSB at the London Stadium and Manchester United’s Europa League encounter against Real Sociedad at Old Trafford.
There won’t be any races on Saturday, according to the British Horseracing Authority, extending the cancellations for a third day.
The sole horse owned by the queen entered for this weekend’s races, King’s Lynn, will not compete at the Curragh on Sunday.
The St Leger, one of Britain’s five Classic races, which the queen won in 1977 with her filly Dunfermline, will be on the card when racing resumes on Sunday.
