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EPL bashed for postponements after queen's death

Premier League logo PA Images/Alamy Images

English Premier League bashed for postponements following death of Queen Elizabeth II

By Zac Wassink | Last updated 9/9/22

As was widely expected when the news broke Thursday that Queen Elizabeth II died at the age of 96, the English Premier League was among sporting organizations that announced on Friday that all fixtures through at least Monday would be postponed as a mark of respect.

"We and our clubs would like to pay tribute to Her Majesty’s long and unwavering service to our country," Premier League chief executive Richard Masters explained in a statement. "As our longest-serving monarch, she has been an inspiration and leaves behind an incredible legacy following a life of dedication.

"This is a tremendously sad time for not just the nation, but also for the millions of people around the world who admired her, and we join together with all those in mourning her passing."

As noted by Sky Sports, men's and women's professional football across England and Scotland have temporarily suspended standard operations. That call has been met with widespread criticism.

Broadcaster and news personality Piers Morgan, Manchester United legend Gary Neville, and former England striker Peter Crouch were among many noteworthy individuals who took to Twitter to bash the postponements, in part because Britain's longest-reigning monarch who held the throne for 70 years was known for being a massive supporter of sports:

Sporting events should go ahead. a) The Queen loved sport and b) It would be great to see/hear huge crowds singing the National Anthem in tribute to Her Majesty, as West Ham fans did so magnificently last night.
— Piers Morgan (@piersmorgan) September 9, 2022

I agree Piers. Sport can demonstrate better than most the respect the Queen deserves . https://t.co/oYKTkEaUP0
— Gary Neville (@GNev2) September 9, 2022

I know it’s only a game and some things are much bigger but imagine all our games went ahead this weekend.

Black armbands, silences observed, national anthem, Royal band playing etc to the millions around the world watching ?

Isn’t that a better send off ?
— Peter Crouch (@petercrouch) September 9, 2022

Traveling fans and others who pointed out that schedules are already congested due to the fall World Cup that gets underway in November also hit out at the lack of top-flight English football this weekend:

She loved sport. What a ridiculous decision to make everyone suffer, would’ve been a good opportunity to actually show respect with a minutes silence ‍♂️
— William (fan account) (@OzilThings) September 9, 2022

This is ridiculous, especially with the already hectic schedule
— Has the Referee or VAR made a poor decision? (@PoorEPLreferees) September 9, 2022

The correct decision, which makes the Premier League and Football League look even more ridiculous https://t.co/0wxTU5XRLY
— Sam Pilger (@sampilger) September 9, 2022

Ipswich Town FC Supporters Club of Norway have just landed in England an we are all very sad on behalf of our english friends. Life goes on and we'll just do the best out of this visit. #respect
— Ipswich Town Norway (@Official_ITSCON) September 9, 2022

Thursday's UEFA Europa League and Europa Conference League matches involving English clubs were played and included tributes to Her Majesty, and the Australian Football League also honored Queen Elizabeth II on Friday:

Vale Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II. #AFLFinals pic.twitter.com/kb6f2l35yb
— AFL (@AFL) September 9, 2022

A government statement shared by James Olley of ESPN confirmed institutions such as the Premier League aren't mandated to cancel large events scheduled for this weekend after the passing of Queen Elizabeth II.

"There is no obligation to cancel or postpone events and sporting fixtures, or close entertainment venues during the national mourning period. This is at the discretion of individual organisations," that statement reads.

Olley added that the United Kingdom entered a period of national mourning that is set to last for at least 10 days and that could impact matches beyond Monday. Per Goal, the upcoming international break is scheduled to run from Sept. 19-27, meaning Premier League action may not return before Oct. 1 at the earliest.

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