Scottish football will return this weekend following the postponement of the SPFL professional card across Saturday and Sunday as a mark of respect to Queen Elizabeth II.
The UK's longest-serving monarch sadly passed away on Thursday evening at Balmoral, aged 96, with clubs up and down the country paying emotional tributes to the Royal Family and everyone else mourning. The Jambos held a minute's silence and wore black armbands during the second half of their Europa Conference League opener following the news.
Clubs have been told they can hold a period of silence, play the National Anthem ahead of kick-off or wear black armbands as a tribute at matches across the weekend. Rangers' Champions League clash at Ibrox with Napoli this midweek has been moved 24 hours to the Wednesday due to policing resources.
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However, games have been given the green light this weekend with Hibs and Hearts leading the SPFL card.
The SFA said in a statement: "Following confirmation of the postponement of all fixtures in the professional game across Scotland last weekend as a mark of respect for the passing of Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II, we can confirm the intention for the professional game to resume as normal.
"Fixtures will go ahead, subject to Police Scotland resourcing, with the caveat that any fixtures under the professional banner be rescheduled if they fall on Monday September 19, the day of Her Majesty’s funeral.
"This week, as a mark of respect and in keeping with the period of National Mourning, home clubs may wish to hold a period of silence and/or play the National Anthem just ahead of kick-off, and players may wish to wear black armbands.
"We thank clubs and league organisations for the mark of respect shown at the weekend and for their efforts in resuming the professional game fixture schedule."
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