Managers have also been told to consider wearing costumes and leading their teams out and there will also be a minute’s applause at 70 minutes to mark the duration in the years of the Queen’s reign. The big screens and billboards around the stadiums will display tribute images rather than familiar messages. Seven Premier League games will be played on Friday, Saturday and Sunday after last weekend’s schedule was controversially canceled following the Queen’s death. Insiders claimed that football saw fit to have a weekend of mourning for the monarch, which included stopping all grassroots football, given that the Queen is the patron of the Football Association and Prince William is its president. However, this decision was widely criticized, especially given that most other sports, such as cricket and golf, went ahead. The news was confirmed by the Premier League, who said: “All Premier League games between Friday 16 and Sunday 18 September will provide an opportunity for the League, clubs and fans to come together to pay tribute to Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II, honoring extraordinary life and service to the nation and the world. “Fans will be asked to observe a minute’s silence, followed by the national anthem, God Save The King. Large screens and perimeter LED boards will display images of tributes to Her Majesty, and flags in the venues will be flown at half-mast. When the clock strikes 70 minutes, fans will be invited to applaud the Queen’s 70-year reign.” A Premier League spokesman confirmed that managers wearing suits “was a suggestion and not a directive”. Liverpool’s trip to Chelsea and Leeds’ visit to Manchester United on Sunday were postponed due to police shortages at the Queen’s funeral on Monday. Brighton’s home clash with Crystal Palace had already been postponed due to rail strikes being called off. Start your evenings with the Guardian’s view of the world of football Privacy Notice: Newsletters may contain information about charities, online advertising and content sponsored by external parties. For more information, see our Privacy Policy. We use Google reCaptcha to protect our website and Google’s Privacy Policy and Terms of Service apply. Arsenal’s Europa League tie at home to PSV Eindhoven has been postponed until October 20, with their Premier League game at home to Manchester City the night before postponed.
