LONDON (AP) — Several sporting events in Britain have been canceled as a mark of respect after Queen Elizabeth II died at the age of 96 on Thursday.
Organizers of the BMW PGA Championship golf event responded to news of the Queen’s death by immediately suspending play, with many players still on the Wentworth course. The course and practice facilities will be closed on Friday.
The England and Wales Cricket Board have said Friday’s match in the second Test between England and South Africa at the Oval will not take place.
Horse racing meetings in Britain were suspended on Thursday evening and Friday, with the governing body wanting to “remember his 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 at the weekend either.
Tour of Britain cycling organizers have 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 has paid tribute to the Royal Family, saying it is “deeply saddened” to learn of the Queen’s passing. He did not immediately say whether the matches would take place this weekend.
The English Football League, which manages the three divisions below the Premier League, canceled its matches due to be played on Friday night and said a decision would be made on Friday morning on weekend games after discussions with the UK government and sport at large. .
Manchester United’s Europa League game against Real Sociedad came 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 the stadium flags flown at half-mast as a mark of respect.
There was no pre-match music and the digital billboards around the pitch were turned off.
There has been a minute’s silence in other European matches involving British teams, such as Arsenal, West Ham and Hearts.
The US Tennis Association held a minute’s silence ahead of Thursday night’s first US Open women’s semi-final match – won in straight sets by Ons Jabeur against Caroline Garcia.
“We would like to pause to remember Queen Elizabeth II,” the stadium announcer said. “Our hearts today go out to the people of the UK. Remember to be part of us in a second of silence.
Rafael Nadal offered his “most respectful, sincere and deepest condolences” and former England football player 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. always present in the lives of most of us. Rest in peace, Your Majesty.
Brazilian football great Pelé has tweeted his admiration for the queen since meeting him in person in 1968 when he visited the Maracana in Rio de Janeiro.
“His deeds marked generations,” Pelé wrote. “This legacy will last forever.”
The All England Club, home of the Wimbledon tennis tournament, said the Queen had carried out her duties “with great wisdom, dignity and charm for 70 years”.
The Queen was the Royal Patron of the Welsh Rugby Union, who thanked her for “years of service on this deeply sad day”.
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