Several sporting events in Britain were canceled as a mark of respect following the death of Queen Elizabeth II at the age of 96 on Thursday.
Organizers of the BMW PGA Championship golf event reacted to the announcement of the Queen’s death by immediately suspending play, with many players still off the course at Wentworth. The course and practice facilities will be closed on Friday.
The England and Wales Cricket Board said Friday’s second Test between England and South Africa at the Oval will not go ahead.
Horse racing meetings in Britain were suspended on Thursday night and Friday, with the governing body wishing to “remember her extraordinary life and contribution to our sport and our nation”.
Domestic rugby matches in England and Scotland were canceled on Thursday and matches will not be played over the weekend either.
Organizers of the Tour of Britain declared the race over after canceling Friday’s stage as well as two others over the weekend. Gonzalo Serrano, who led after Thursday’s stage, was declared the winner.
The Premier League paid its respects to the royal family, saying it was “deeply saddened” to hear of the Queen’s death. He did not immediately say whether the games would be played this weekend.
The English Football League, which runs the three divisions below the Premier League, canceled its games scheduled to be played on Friday night and said a decision would be made on Friday morning about the weekend’s fixtures following discussions with the British government and sport. wider. .
Manchester United’s Europa League game against Real Sociedad took place hours after the Queen’s death was announced. There was a minute’s silence before kick-off at Old Trafford, with both teams wearing black armbands and flags in the stadium lowered to half-mast as a mark of respect.
There was no pre-match music and the digital advertising hoardings around the pitch were switched off.
There was a minute’s silence at other European matches involving British teams, such as Arsenal, West Ham and Hearts.
The US Tennis Association held a moment of silence before the first US Open women’s semi-final match on Thursday night – won in straight sets by Ons Jabeur over Caroline Garcia.
“We would like to pause to remember Queen Elizabeth II,” said the stadium announcer. “Our thoughts are with the people of the UK today. Don’t forget to join us in a moment of silence.”
Rafael Nadal offered his “most respectful, sincere and deepest condolences” and former England footballer and TV commentator Gary Lineker also tweeted: “Such a terribly sad day. A truly remarkable woman who served her country with dignity, loyalty and grace. A comfort ever present in the lives of most of us. Rest in peace, Your Majesty.”
Brazilian soccer great Pele tweeted about his admiration for the queen since meeting her in person in 1968 when she visited the Maracana in Rio de Janeiro.
“Her works have marked generations,” wrote Pele. “This legacy will last forever.”
The All England Club, home of the Wimbledon tennis tournament, said the Queen had handled her duties “with great wisdom, dignity and grace for 70 years”.
The Queen was the Royal Patron of the Welsh Rugby Union, which thanked her for her “years of service on this deeply sad day”.
Louise Martin, president of the Commonwealth Games Federation, said Queen Elizabeth “has been an inspiration to many, including all our Commonwealth Games athletes and officials. Her Majesty’s vision for the Commonwealth as a diverse family and the United Nations will continue to inspire us.”
