English football shut down after Queen Elizabeth II’s death was branded a ‘missed opportunity’ to pay the price

English football leaders have been criticized for postponing all matches this weekend in the wake of Queen Elizabeth II’s death, with the decision seen as a “missed opportunity” to pay tribute to the monarch. The nation’s longest-serving monarch. Following the Queen’s death at the age of 96 on Thursday, the Premier League has decided to cancel this weekend’s fixtures in consultation with the British government. Football leaders were told on Friday by the Ministry of Digital, Culture, Media and Sport that there is no obligation to cancel or postpone sports competitions during the period of national mourning.

But the Premier League felt it was the right move to honor the Queen for her “extraordinary life and contributions to the nation”.

The Second Division Championship, as well as League One and Two, follows the Premier League postponement of matches this weekend.

It’s not just professional football but all Saturday and Sunday amateur leagues across the UK, including youth football, are suspended.

However, the England and Wales Cricket Council started England’s third match against South Africa on Saturday after the first day’s match was hit by rain and the second was postponed due to the Queen’s death.

The series’ decisive test was held over three days in the Oval, with a minute of silence observed in memory of the Queen and the first performance at a ‘Christ the King’ sporting event – Britain’s now changed national anthem is launched Charles III is the new king.

Other sports have also returned this weekend, with Premiership rugby league fixtures, Super League games, the PGA Championship golf tournament and Sunday’s Great North Run all scheduled.

Horse racing, the sport to which the Queen is most intimately linked, will also continue on Sunday with St Leger, one of the five British classics and her horse Dunfermline won in 1977, the race features at Doncaster.

Former Liverpool and England striker Peter Crouch questioned the temporary shutdown of football, tweeting: “I know it’s just a game and some much bigger stuff but imagine all our games played by the end this week.

“Black armbands, observed silence, the national anthem, the Royal Band playing, etc. for millions of people around the world to see? Wouldn’t that be a better act?”

‘Ridiculous decision’

Manchester United, West Ham and Arsenal have all honored the Queen by wearing a black armband and remaining silent for a minute during European matches on Thursday night.

West Ham fans even sang ‘God save the Queen’ during the match against FCSB at London Stadium.

The opportunity to show the same respect from the rest of English football has been denied by postponements.

TV personality Piers Morgan, a famous Arsenal fan, wrote on social media: “Ridiculous decision. Sports events should continue. To the Queen, as fans are. West Ham did a fantastic job last night.’

Former Manchester United and England defender Gary Neville replied: “I agree with Piers. Sport can show better than most the respect the Queen deserves.”

Fans were equally upset when they were denied the opportunity to pay their respects to the Queen.

A statement from the Football Supporters’ Association said: “We believe football is at its peak when it comes to bringing people together at times of great national significance – those are moments of joy. celebration or moments of mourning.

“Our view, which we have shared with football’s governing bodies, is that most supporters will enjoy coming to the games this weekend and paying their respects to the Queen and the Queen. with their fellow fans.

“Not everyone will agree, so there is no perfect decision for the football authorities, but many supporters will feel this is a missed opportunity for football to show respect. own special honor.”

Football Association President Debbie Hewitt, who participated in Friday’s meetings with the Government, defended the decision.

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“This is a great example of football working in solidarity. We all completely agree 100% this is the right thing to do to show our respect,” she said.

(This story has not been edited by NDTV staff and was automatically generated from the syndication feed.)