Manchester United’s Europa League match to go ahead tonight despite death of Queen Elizabeth

Manchester United’s Europa League game against Real Madrid will go ahead this evening as planned, despite the death of Queen Elizabeth II.

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Sport joined the nation in mourningafter the death of the long-serving monarch was announced by Buckingham Palace on Thursday.

Elizabeth II, 96, was the nation’s longest-reigning monarch, serving as head of state for more than 70 years.

The Prince of Wales is now King, having acceded to the throne immediately on the death of his mother.

Confirming tonight’s fixture would take place, meanwhile, United said in a statement: ‘Following direction from the FA and UEFA, tonight’s UEFA Europa League fixture against Real Sociedad will take place as planned at Old Trafford.

‘A minute’s silence will be held before kick-off which will allow the teams, match officials and everyone in attendance to pay their respects to Her Majesty, The Queen.

‘Both teams will wear black armbands and the flags at Old Trafford will fly at half-mast as a sign of our utmost respect.’

Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II has died after 70 years on the throne, with her death announced by Buckingham Palace on September 8, 2022.

She died at the age of 96 surrounded by her family at her home in Balmoral, including her son and heir to the throneCharles, the Prince of Wales, and her grandsons, the Duke Of Cambridge, Prince William and the Duke of Sussex, Prince Harry.

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Meanwhile, in Arsenal’s Europa League game at FC Zurich, both sets of players emerged for the second half and gathered around the centre circle for a minute’s silence.

West Ham will also play FCSB in their scheduled Europa Conference League match, with players wearing armbands