The Football Supporters’ Association have described this weekend’s cancellation of fixtures as an ‘opportunity missed’ for fans to pay their respects to the Queen. Following the passing of Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II, a decision has been made to postpone all Premier League and Football League fixtures planned for this weekend and Monday night.
The decision was taken as a mark of respect, to honour the Queen’s life and contribution to the country. However, a number of other sports such as rugby league, rugby union, cricket and horse racing have announced plans to go ahead this weekend.
It’s a decision that seems to have divided opinion and the FSA have released a statement to voice their disappointment that matches will not be going ahead as planned this weekend. The organisation suggest that football games would have provided supporters with the perfect opportunity and platform to pay tribute to the monarch, who had 70 years on the throne before passing away at the age of 96.
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As such, they believe football could have united the country during its period of mourning. They also point to those supporters who have spent and lost money making plans to get to games this weekend.
“We believe football is at its finest when bringing people together at times of huge national significance – be those moments of joy or moments of mourning,” the organisation wrote.
“Our view, which we shared with the football authorities, is that most supporters would have liked to go to games this weekend and pay their respect to the Queen alongside their fellow fans.
“Not everyone will agree, so there was no perfect decision for the football authorities, but many supporters will feel this was an opportunity missed for football to pay its own special tributes.
“As usual, the Football Supporters’ Association will be collating advice about supporters’ entitlements regarding expenses incurred relating to postponed games this weekend.”
As it stands the Football League will recommence in midweek, but it remains to be seen when the Premier League will be back in action, with next weekend’s fixtures at risk of clashing with the State Funeral.
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