English Premier League shutdown decision fuelled by 'fears' fans would disrespect tributes to the Queen

The Premier League's decision to shut down this weekend was influenced by "fears" that tributes to Queen Elizabeth II would be disrespected.

English top-flight bosses joined the SPFL plus national associations in Wales and Northern Ireland in calling off all professional matches this weekend following the passing of the 96-year-old monarch. No date has yet been confirmed for the Queen's funeral but there could be further postponements to come.

Announced on Friday morning, the move to put football on pause has split opinion - with some backing the call as a mark of respect, while others have contended that staging games as normal was an opportunity for fans to come together and pay tribute. However, the Daily Mail report there was concern among Premier League decision-makers that planned tributes would be disrupted by anti-monarchy sentiment and those fears were a factor in the entire fixture card being scrapped in England.

EPL clubs appeared wary of the potential for backlash, with several disabling replies to official Tweets offering condolences to the Royal Family. There was further frustration when bosses south of the border opted for a blanket shutdown that even included grassroots and youth football, a ruling that was also met with opposition.

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