Manchester City against Tottenham Hotspur has been postponed this weekend, following the passing of Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II, it has been confirmed.
The scheduled fixture at the Etihad Stadium will join the rest of the English top-flight fixtures - and other major sporting events - in being postponed this weekend, as the United Kingdom mourns the death of Her Majesty The Queen.
A statement from Manchester City on Thursday evening said:
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"Manchester City wishes to express its sincere condolences to The Royal Family following the passing of Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II.
"Her Majesty’s dedication and service has been exemplary and we join our country and the Commonwealth in mourning her loss."
Confirming the postponement of Premier League fixtures this weekend, a statement from the English top-flight read:
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"At a meeting this morning, Premier League clubs paid tribute to Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II.
"To honour her extraordinary life and contribution to the nation, and as a mark of respect, this weekend’s Premier League match round will be postponed, including Monday evening’s game."
Richard Masters, Premier League Chief Executive, 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.
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"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.”
"Further updates regarding Premier League fixtures during the period of mourning will be provided in due course."
The decision from the Premier League has come despite official government guidance not suggesting postponements should take place.
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A statement offering guidance on decisions was published on Friday morning, as it read:
"There is no obligation to cancel or postpone events and sporting fixtures, or close entertainment venues during the National Mourning period. This is at the discretion of individual organisations.
"As a mark of respect, organisations might wish to consider cancelling or postponing events or closing venues on the day of the State Funeral. They are under no obligation to do so and this is entirely at the discretion of individual organisations."
The statement offering guidance on the situation prior to the official Premier League decision continued:
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"If sporting fixtures or events are planned for the day of the State Funeral, organisations may want to adjust the event timing so they do not clash with the timings of the funeral service and associated processions.
"As a mark of respect, and in keeping with the tone of National Mourning, organisers may wish to hold a period of silence and/or play the National Anthem at the start of events or sporting fixtures, and players may wish to wear black armbands."
Fans and clubs can expect updates concerning next weekend's fixtures in the coming days, as the State Funeral is arranged.
Topics: Manchester City, Tottenham Hotspur, Premier League, Football
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