Sport will hold a day of mourning for the Queen on Friday, with the third Test between England and South Africa, the PGA Championship at Wentworth and other major events suspended for at least a day as a mark of respect.
It is understood several sports, including the Premier League, will hold emergency talks on Friday to discuss whether to resume sport over the weekend – with most hoping to do so depending on public sentiment.
Several sports held a meeting on Thursday to discuss plans, with an observer saying part of the talks focused on whether to take a one-day or two-day break to mark the Queen’s death. Another person present said they believed sport would resume on Saturday, although they said everyone would be paying attention to public sentiment over the next 24 hours.
The ECB is believed to be looking at various options for the third test between England and South Africa at the Oval, ranging from requesting the game be extended by an extra day at the ICC to canceling it outright. As of this writing, however, it seems more likely that the test will continue with a proper show of respect this weekend.
On Thursday, play at the ongoing PGA Championship was immediately suspended for the day after the news broke, and racing at Southwell was also halted.
At Arsenal’s Europa League game against FC Zurich, both groups of players emerged for the second half and gathered around the center circle for a minute’s silence. Manchester United’s Europa League game against Real Sociedad goes ahead as scheduled after the club said in a statement: “Upon instructions from the FA and Uefa, tonight’s Uefa Europa League game against Real Sociedad will go ahead as scheduled at Old Trafford to take place.
Players and fans of FC Zürich and FC Arsenal take part in a minute’s silence before the second half of their Europa League game on Thursday. Photo: FreshFocus/MB Media/Getty
“A minute’s silence will be observed before kick-off to allow the teams, match officials and everyone present to pay their respects to Her Majesty The Queen. Both teams will wear black armbands and the Old Trafford flags will be flown at half-staff as a sign of our utmost respect.”
Formula 1 is holding a minute’s silence for all teams at the Italian Grand Prix on Friday before the first practice session. In a statement, the sport’s chief executive Stefano Domenicali said: “Formula 1 mourns the death of Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II. For more than seven decades she dedicated her life to public service with dignity and devotion, inspiring so many people around the world World.
“Formula 1 sends its deepest condolences to the Royal Family and the people of the UK and Commonwealth.”
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