Fears of fans disrespecting the Queen ‘was a factor’ in football postponement

Football is one of the few sports that decided to postpone fixtures this weekend

The decision to postpone this weekend's football across the UK was partly down to concerns that supporters would not have been universally respectful of the tributes to Queen Elizabeth II, a report has claimed. It was announced on Friday that all professional and grassroots football games would be postponed as a mark of respect to the Queen, who passed away at Balmoral on Thursday afternoon. The decision came after sports governing bodies held a meeting with the DCMS on Friday morning. Other major sports, including cricket and rugby, have opted to play scheduled fixtures for this weekend, raising questions as to why football chose to take a different approach. According to a report in the Daily Mail, fears any tributes would be overshadowed by shows of dissent from supporters was 'a factor' in the decision to postpone this weekend's round of games. This, the report points out, may also have been reflected in the decision taken by several football clubs to disable replies to their posts about the Queen's passing on social media. Away from football, the England and Wales Cricket Board opted to postpone the second day of their Test Match with South Africa at The Oval on Friday. Play resumed on Saturday, with those at the ground standing for a minute's silence and then singing 'God Save the King' before the action started. Recent links:

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