Fear of dissent towards Queen ‘contributed to Premier League being cancelled’

Fears that tributes to the late Queen Elizabeth II may not have been 'universally respected' are said to have played a role in the postponement of Premier League fixtures.

League chief Richard Masters announced that none of the planned fixtures from Friday to Monday would go ahead after the longest serving British monarch passed away at Balmoral.

That decision has not gone down with all supporters, with Peter Crouch praised for asking whether observing silences, playing the national anthem and wearing black armbands would have been a better tribute.

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The Daily Mail report that a fear that those potential tributes would not have been 'universally respected' played a part in the decision to push back fixtures.

That comes after Shamrock Rovers supporters caused outrage with an offensive song during their clash against Djurgardens in the Europa Conference League.

Several Premier League clubs even chose to limit replies to their Twitter tributes to the Queen, which might've been an attempt to limit any backlash.

Premier League chief executive Masters had said: "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."

It has also been hypothesised that Premier League football could now be called off until October, with the month ending with an international break.

Journalist Richard Buxton wrote on Twitter: "Next Saturday’s top flight fixtures also expected to be postponed in line with the Queen’s state funeral. Next available date to play any deferred matches is January 17/18, 2023."

The week after sees players jet off on international duty, meaning the next match week for top-flight fixtures could be from Saturday, October 1.

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