On Friday it was decided by the Premier League and the Football Association that the football calendar would be postponed this weekend as a mark of respect for the death of the Queen – who died at Balmoral aged 96. The decision leaked the opinion of fans and people in the game about the decision to postpone the weekend matches, especially given that cricket, rugby and ice hockey among other sports continued to be played or resumed on Saturday. Keys, however, felt the authorities were right to postpone the matches to allow people to pay their respects. He tweeted: “Football had no choice but to stop this. Those who think otherwise are wrong. “The sports they played should be ashamed. Were the decisions related to the events not being insured for cancellations? I hear it may have been done.’ Former Sky Sports presenter Richard Keys believes the football authorities made the right call to postpone the weekend’s games at all levels of the game Keys bucked the tendency of most to feel that matches should continue with a respectful minute’s silence. The England and Wales Cricket Board canceled all matches on Friday following the announcement of the Queen’s death, but resumed matches on Saturday for all international, domestic and recreational matches. Ahead of England’s Third Test against South Africa at the Oval, a minute’s silence was observed by those in attendance and there was a moving rendition of God Save The King sung for the first time at a sporting event. A minute’s silence was observed before England’s third Test against South Africa at The Oval Both England and South Africa players also wore black armbands as a tribute to cricket London Irish and Worcester Warriors observe a minute’s silence in honor of Her Majesty Both England and South Africa players also wore black armbands as cricket paid tribute to the UK’s longest-serving monarch following her death. Rugby also decided to resume action on Saturday, as did cricket, with all matches due to be played taking place after a minute’s silence was observed in Her Majesty’s honour. Match of the Day presenter Gary Lineker questioned why football couldn’t do the same, posting: “Given the wonderful and emotional scenes at The Oval, it’s a real shame the football isn’t happening this weekend, so we miss out the opportunity to pay his respects. BT Sport pundit Peter Crouch posted on social media: “I know it’s only one game and some things are much bigger but imagine all our games this weekend.” Gary Lineker believes football missed an opportunity by canceling this weekend’s games Lineker took to Twitter to share his thoughts after watching the tribute at The Oval on Saturday TV personality Piers Morgan added: “Ridiculous decision.” These social media posts came after the Premier League released a statement on Friday morning to confirm the news that this weekend’s matches would be postponed. “At a meeting this morning, Premier League clubs paid tribute to Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II,” top-flight bosses announced on Friday. “To commemorate her extraordinary life and service to the nation, and as a mark of respect, this weekend’s round of Premier League matches will be postponed, including Monday evening’s game.” The FA statement added: “Her Majesty The Queen has been a long-standing patron of the Football Association and has left a lasting and indelible legacy on our national game. As a mark of respect, following the death of Her Majesty the Queen, English football united to postpone all football matches between 9 and 11 September. “The FA can confirm that all football matches in the Barclays Women’s Super League, Barclays Women’s Championship, Vitality Women’s FA Cup and Isuzu FA Trophy will be postponed this weekend. “We can also confirm that all football matches in the National League system [NLS]Steps 1-6, including Vanarama National Championships, Women’s Soccer Pyramid [WFP]Tiers 3-7, and grassroots football matches in England will be postponed.’ There has been no word yet on whether the domestic calendar will continue from the start of next week, although games in European competitions are set to go ahead as scheduled.
