The English Premier League has been in a lot of trouble with the loss of Elizabeth II.
The mournful news of the death of the 96-year-old Queen of Great Britain and the monarch of 14 independent states affected the whole world. Naturally, obituaries filled the pages of football clubs on social networks. Even the Scottish and Irish teams, who are underwhelmed by their status to say the least, posted low-key but mournful posts. However, ordinary fans were not ready for the cancellation of matches this coming weekend. The public in England is just furious, because the league did not care about their interests.
From bitterness to restrained silence
In the first hours after the news of the death of Elizabeth II, the official accounts of the most prominent English football clubs were filled with relevant messages. The second half of the Europa League match between Zurich and Arsenal began with a moment of silence. Manchester United, hosting Real Sociedad at their home stadium, completely failed the game. Apparently, being under the influence of the situation. A huge number of comments from athletes and journalists, memories of how much the Queen has done for the sport. After all, it was under her many years of rule that the founders of football won their only World Cup so far in 1966. All this flooded the media space in England.
However, some football clubs the news that came from Buckingham Palace did not prompt public statements. In Scotland, skeptical of the royal family, almost all the flagships of football remained silent. If the “Rangers” were still worthy of a mournful reaction, then the “Celtic” did not say anything at all. Apparently, after the defeat from Real Madrid in the Champions League, it is difficult to find the strength for another grief. Less eminent, but with a large army of Dundee United fans also preferred to do without comment.
Expected decision of the Premier League
The day after the death of Elizabeth II, the British declared mourning. It will last seven days after the funeral. Not a month, as it was in Thailand after the death of King Rama the Ninth in 2016, but for the freedom-loving Britons, this is also a test. Especially when they are deprived of the main sports spectacle – football.
The English Premier League on Friday 9 September released a statement:
– As a sign of respect to Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II, the matches of the next round of the Premier League will be postponed, – stated on the official website.
The same was done in Scotland. Moreover, the president of the Premier League, Alison Britten, is considering the option of postponing the next, eighth round. Where to put these postponed games, taking into account the World Cup in Qatar, which starts at the height of the season, is a big headache.
Rage of fans
But apart from the purely technical issue of finding free windows for rescheduled matches, both the English and the Scots faced huge resistance from their own fans.
An ordinary spectator is not ready to change his plans, especially when it comes to leaving for a team match, when all tickets and accommodation have been booked for a long time.
In the social networks of clubs and leagues, every second comment is negative:
– Are you joking now?
Seriously though, the best way to show respect to the queen is to save matches and make
minute of silence before the starting whistle.
– What is the point of this decision if bars and clubs are still open?
– Nobody wants to refund my money for a ticket to London and back?
– Let’s leave football out of politics.
It is better to keep silent about how the subscribers of Scottish clubs behave. Or read on your own. The death of the queen does not bother anyone at all, but the cancellation of the match of the beloved Aberdeen is very even.
The bitterness of fans and ordinary fans is understandable. Few people want to ruin a cool weekend at the stadium. But political decisions once again interfere with sports, and the voice of a simple spectator does not bother anyone. Now the Premier League will have to somehow get out and look for windows in a very tight calendar. Although you could just declare a moment of silence.
