Queen’s death: Weekend’s Scottish football fixtures cancelled by SFA

Football fixtures across the country have been cancelled following the death of Queen Elizabeth II, with other sporting events also postponed.

The Scottish FA confirmed the decision in a statement on Friday, saying that professional games at all levels would be postponed and rearranged at a later date.

A statement from the governing body read: “Following meetings this morning, the Scottish FA, Scottish Professional Football League, Scottish Women’s Premier League, and Scottish Highland and Lowland Football Leagues have agreed that all professional football matches will be postponed this weekend as a mark of respect following the passing of Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II.

“This postponement will also incorporate the Women’s Scottish Cup fixtures this weekend.”

Scottish FA President Rod Petrie said: “We spoke with our counterparts across the UK this morning and in discussions with our colleagues across the professional game in Scotland it was agreed that this was the appropriate step to take following the passing of Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II.

“We will work with our clubs and members in the meantime to ensure appropriate steps are taken throughout the period of mourning.”

Neil Doncaster, chief executive of the SPFL, said: “Following consultation with the UK and Scottish Governments, the Scottish FA, our counterparts at the EPL and others, we confirm that all SPFL fixtures scheduled for this weekend will be postponed as a mark of respect.

“The passing of The Queen, a constant in our lives for 70 years, is a profound and momentous occasion. It is therefore appropriate that professional football marks this event with all possible solemnity.

“We will update clubs and supporters when we have clarity over official arrangements for Her Majesty’s funeral.”

UEFA has yet to announce if next week’s European games involving Scottish teams will be affected. Rangers play host to Napoli at Ibrox on Tuesday, while Celtic travel to Poland to play Shakhtar Donetsk in the Champions League a day later. Hearts are scheduled to play RFS in the Europa Conference League on Thursday night.

Scottish Rugby announced on Thursday evening that all domestic competitive matches this weekend were to be postponed. The same applies to Scotland’s Summer Test against Spain on Sunday and Friday’s pre-season match between Glasgow Warriors and Ulster.

Official guidance from government says that 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.

“As a mark of respect, organisations may wish to consider cancelling or postponing events or closing venues on the day of the State Funeral. They are under no obligation to do so and this is entirely at the discretion of individual organisations.

“If sporting fixtures or events are planned for the day of the State Funeral, organisations may want to adjust the event timings so they do not clash with the timings of the funeral service and associated processions.

“As a mark of respect, and in keeping with the tone of National Mourning, organisers may wish to hold a period of silence and/or play the National Anthem at the start of events or sporting fixtures, and players may wish to wear black armbands.”

Buckingham Palace has not yet confirmed the date of the State Funeral, though it is expected to take place on Monday, September 19.