What happened to sport when King George VI died in 1952?

There's a dearth of football action across the water this weekend after all Premier League, EFL and WSL were postponed following the death of Queen Elizabeth II.

But what happened the last time the head of the monarchy passed away?

When the death of the occurred of Queen Elizabeth's father, George VI, in Sandringham in February 1952, the Republic of Ireland had left the commonwealth just three years previously.

Ireland's announcement that it had become a republic automatically meant their dominion status had been terminated and therefore left the Commonwealth.

Whilst the then leaders of the time sympathised with their British compatriots, television coverage of the coronation of the new sovereign was discouraged but not banned formally.

The king died on the Wednesday, and a full weekend of football was played in the UK the following weekend.

The scheduled FA Cup fourth-round ties also went ahead on the day of his death. Newcastle United would go on to retain the cup the following May thanks to a goal from Robledo.

Robledo was the first non-British-registered foreign player to become top scorer in England.

Ahead of the full round of league fixtures, Abide With Me - usually only sung ahead of the FA cup final - and the national anthem were sung ahead of kick-off.

Preston North End were beaten by Manchester United by two goals to one at Deepdale in the First Division. Irishman Johnny Carey was then captain of the side which was managed by Matt Busby.

The Reds would go on to win their first league trophy under Busby's tutelage that year.

Over 66,000 people attended the North London derby at White Hart Lane where the Gunners also ran out 2-1 winners. Future England World Cup winning manager Alf Ramsey played at full-back for Spurs.

Bill