The region's football clubs have joined the rest of the nation in paying tribute to Her Majesty The Queen. The country has entered a 10 day period of national morning after the death of Britain's longest-ruling monarch yesterday (Thursday, September 8).
It was this morning (Friday) announced that matches in the Premier League, EFL and every other level of the game this weekend had been postponed. Government guidance had said they were under no obligation to do so.
However, the Premier League, EFL and The FA said they had decided to do so "as a mark of respect" to The Queen who according to the latter had "left a lasting and indelible legacy on our national game."
READ MORE: Premier League postpones weekend's matches following passing of Queen Elizabeth II
It follows all professional clubs in Greater Manchester paying their own tributes to Queen Elizabeth.
The Queen's death was announced just an hour and a half before Manchester United's Europa League clash with Real Sociedad at Old Trafford was due to kick off with many fans already making their way into the stadium.
The game went ahead as planned following direction from UEFA and The FA, United said.
"Manchester United shares the sorrow of the entire nation following the announcement from Buckingham Palace on the passing of Her Majesty, The Queen," they said in a statement.
"The club recognises her immense contribution to public life, including sport, both here in the United Kingdom, across the Commonwealth, and around the world. Everyone connected with Manchester United joins the wider football family in sending our deepest condolences and heartfelt sympathy to The Royal Family.
"Following direction from the FA and UEFA, tonight’s UEFA Europa League fixture against Real Sociedad took place as planned at Old Trafford."
The flags at Old Trafford were lowered to half-mast. Players from both sides and officials wore black armbands and an "impeccably observed" minute's silence was held before kick-off. There was no pre-match music, no announcements, and advertising hoardings around the stadium were also left black.
Club captain and England star Harry Maguire tweeted saying: "Rest in peace, Her Majesty The Queen. Thoughts are with the Royal Family at this sad time."
Marcus Rashford said: "Rest in peace, Queen Elizabeth II" alongside a black and white portrait of The Queen." Goalkeeper David De Gea shared the club's message with a love heart emoji.
Whilst Jadon Sancho said: "Her Majesty The Queen. Thoughts and prayers are with the Royal Family at this sad time. Rest In Peace."
Manchester City said in a statement: "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."
It was shared alongside a picture of Her Majesty presenting then City captain Roy Paul with the trophy after they beat Birmingham City 3-1 in the final, a game made famous for City goalkeeper Bert Trautmann breaking his neck during the game and playing on.
The Union flag is being flown outside the Etihad Stadium at half-mast. All other flags across the club's Etihad Campus have also been lowered to half-mast. All the club's social media channels are displaying black banners and the lights at the Etihad Stadium are being turned off in the evening.
Manager Pep Guardiola's weekly press conference was cancelled shortly before the official announcement of the postponement of the weekend's games.
Blues star Ilkay Gundogan tweeted saying: "A sad day for the UK - May she rest in peace #QueenElizabeth." Whilst former skipper Fernandinho said: "My most sincere condolences to the Royal Family and the British people."
Stockport County's League 2 match at Tranmere Rovers due to take on Friday night was one of the first raft of sporting events to be cancelled following the news.
The club said: "Everyone at Stockport County Football Club is deeply saddened to learn of the passing of Her Royal Majesty, Queen Elizabeth II this afternoon. We thank her for her incredible service to this country and send our deepest condolences to the Royal Family. Rest In Peace."
Oldham Athletic released a statement saying: "Everyone at Oldham Athletic is deeply saddened by the passing of HM Queen Elizabeth II.
"Her Majesty gave remarkable service to the United Kingdom and the Commonwealth throughout her lifetime, and the club joins so many people around the world in mourning her loss. We send our thoughts and sincere condolences to the Royal Family."
Rochdale said: "Everyone at Rochdale Football Club is deeply saddened by the passing of HM Queen Elizabeth II. Our thoughts and condolences are with the Royal Family at this time."
Salford, Wigan Athletic and Bolton Wanderers all released statements paying tribute to The Queen and giving their condolences.
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