Wayne Lumbasi
This weekend, English Premier League clubs and fans will pay tribute to Queen Elizabeth II, who died on September 8 at the age of 96.
Last weekend’s fixtures were postponed as a mark of respect, but seven matches in the top flight will take place over the weekend.
While the United Kingdom remains in mourning, government guidelines issued to sporting groups notes that there is ‘no obligation’ to cancel or postpone events during the 10-day period preceding the Queen’s funeral.
The Premier League’s pre-match music will not be played and there will be no traditional handshakes before the games start. Fans attending games will be asked to join a minute’s silence before kick-off, which will be followed by the national anthem, “God Save The King”.
Flags at the venue will be flying at half-mast, and tribute photographs to the Queen will be shown on large screens and LED perimeter boards.
The Queen’s 70-year reign will be celebrated when the clock strikes 70 minutes. Fans will be invited to applaud. Managers have also been encouraged to wear suits and lead their teams out.
