Queen's passing to spark SPFL shutdown but Celtic and Hearts Euro games could still go ahead

Scottish football is expected to be shut down this weekend as a mark of respect following the death of Queen Elizabeth II.

Record Sport understands SPFL chiefs are tonight in discussions with Government officials as football and other sports prepared to pause as the nation mourns. Horse racing was immediately cancelled, with the BMW golf Championship at Wentworth being halted too, while the SRU confirmed Scottish rugby is also off.

Football is expected to follow with Scottish and English bosses planning to postpone games – and UEFA are also in discussions over next week’s European games involving UK clubs. Teams due to travel to away clashes – such as Celtic and Hearts – are expected to go ahead but matches on these shores could be called off – including Rangers’ Champions League encounter with Napoli. Sporting bodies were forced to react after the Queen’s death was announced around 6.30pm on Thursday night – minutes before half-time in Hearts’ 4-0 Europa Conference League defeat to Basaksehir.

There was an unprecedented minute’s silence before the start of the second half. The Jambos also wore black armbands for the second half and were instructed by UEFA to cancel all post-match media engagement apart from a brief interview with manager Robbie Neilson.

Scottish football bosses will make an announcement on Friday regarding the weekend fixtures but clubs are expecting postponements of this weekend’s game at first, with most cancellations also likely around funeral arrangements. The SPFL led the tributes with a statement last night as chairman Murdoch MacLennan said: “The death of her majesty Queen Elizabeth II marks the end of a glorious, momentous reign. Our thoughts, prayers and sincere condolences go out to the