Football Match Cancelled Despite Permission for Sports to Continue Following Queen’s Demise

1. Due to the “special bond” between the late Queen and the sport, all horse racing meetings in the UK were cancelled on Friday, including Doncaster, Chester, Lingfield, Chelmsford, Musselburgh, and Ffos Las. However, the season’s last Classic, the Cazoo St Leger, will be the main event of a nine-race card at Doncaster on Sunday.
2. According to the new official guidance from the Government, there is no obligation to cancel or postpone sporting events or close entertainment venues during the national mourning period. However, organizations may choose to cancel or adjust event timings out of respect for the state funeral.
3. In tennis, the Davis Cup Finals tennis tournament in Glasgow will proceed as scheduled next week.

Racing Schedule Changes

There will be no racing on Saturday, but the Cazoo St Leger, originally scheduled for Doncaster, will be the highlight of a nine-race card on Sunday. This decision was made to honor the special bond between the Queen and the sport. Friday’s meetings at various racecourses were also canceled to pay tribute to the late Queen.

Sunday’s meeting at Chepstow and the Doncaster Cup will take place as planned. However, the meeting at Musselburgh has been postponed due to the Queen’s body being in state in Edinburgh.

All racecourses racing from Sunday onward will continue to commemorate the Queen’s passing with on-course tributes. This includes flying flags at half mast, jockeys wearing black armbands, and observing a moment of silence before the first race at each meeting.

Guidance for Sporting Events

The new official guidance states that there is no obligation to cancel or postpone sporting events or close entertainment venues during the national mourning period. However, out of respect for the state funeral, organizations may choose to cancel or adjust event timings to avoid clashing with the funeral service and associated processions.

If sporting fixtures or events do take place during the intervening period, organizers are advised to pay appropriate respects. This may include holding a period of silence, playing the national anthem, or having players wear black armbands.

Other Affected Sports

In boxing, all fights scheduled for Friday have been canceled, including the middleweight world title fight between Claressa Shields and Savannah Marshall.

Cricket’s England’s third Test has been delayed, and a four-day Test is expected to begin on Saturday. Golf’s BMW PGA Championship has been canceled for Friday. However, sport events overseas, such as the Monza Grand Prix in Formula 1, are expected to proceed as planned with commemorations and a somber mood.