Golf’s European Tour Group, meanwhile, immediately stopped play at the BMW PGA Championship and later cancelled Friday’s action. “She truly was an inspiration to people the world over,” the authority said, adding that “flags at Wentworth Club will be lowered to half-mast”. It is understood a decision over whether to resume play this weekend will be made on Friday.
Opening matches for rugby’s Premiership season could also be moved by at least a day after Thursday’s Premiership Rugby Cup match between Northampton Saints and Saracens was immediately called off. Sources close to the competition say, like football, a final decision will be made on Friday. Scottish Rugby confirmed late on Thursday night that all domestic competitive matches this weekend are off.
Despite the potential for cancellations this weekend, some English football sides were involved in European fixtures on Thursday night. Manchester United said they had been directed by both the FA and Uefa to press ahead with their Europa League fixture against Real Sociedad. Arsenal were playing at FC Zurich when the Queen’s death was announced. A minute’s silence took place immediately before the start of the second half.
Rick Parry, chairman of the EFL, said football will remember the Queen’s contribution to the game. “The Monarch was at Wembley Stadium in 1966 for perhaps our national game’s most famous moment to present captain Bobby Moore with the Jules Rimet Trophy after England beat West Germany to win the World Cup,” he said. “On behalf of the League and its Clubs, we join the rest of the nation and people across the world in mourning the passing of our Queen, Elizabeth II.”
Government advice has largely allowed sports to make up their own minds regarding postponements. However, the guidance does ensure a complete sporting wipeout on the day of the Queen’s funeral. At fixtures in the intervening period, athletes will wear black armbands, venues observing pre-fixture silences and flags flying at half-mast. Given the Queen’s close affinity with racing, there is significant doubt the St Leger Festival at Doncaster will resume this weekend.
Britain’s longest-serving monarch was also one of the most prominent British owner-breeders of thoroughbreds and the owner of Ascot racecourse. Senior establishment figures said racing will do its utmost to “ensure it leads commemorations in sport” as a result.
Sport overseas is certain to go ahead as planned. Sources within Formula 1 say there is no expectation that the Monza Grand Prix will be delayed. However, there will be commemorations and an inevitably sombre mood.
