Premier League postpones weekend fixtures as Britain mourns death of Queen Elizabeth II

However, the Premier League has said in a statement that games will be postponed to honour the Queen’s “extraordinary life and contribution to the nation, and as a mark of respect”.

Premier League chief executive Richard Masters added: “We and our clubs would like to pay tribute to Her Majesty’s long and unwavering service to our country.

“As our longest-serving monarch, she has been an inspiration and leaves behind an incredible legacy following a life of dedication.

“This is a tremendously sad time for not just the nation but also for the millions of people around the world who admired her, and we join together with all those in mourning her passing.”

There were six Premier League games scheduled for Saturday, with a further three games set to take place on Sunday and one on Monday evening, but those games have now been called off. The EFL have also cancelled their weekend programme of fixtures.

The BMW PGA Championship at Wentworth was suspended on Thursday, with the DP World Tour adding that there would be no play on Friday either, and England’s deciding Test match with South Africa was also suspended, again with no play on Friday.

The British Horseracing Authority said it would decide on Friday when to resume its programme of events after it also suspended competition on Thursday.

Queen Elizabeth II died aged 96 on Thursday.