A minute's silence was overserved ahead of all Women's Super League games on the opening weekend of the season, as football continues to pay tribute to the Queen.
The UK is currently in a period of mourning following the death of Elizabeth II earlier this month, aged 96. The Queen passed away at her Balmoral estate in Scotland, bring an end to Her Majesty's 70-year reign as the UK's and the Commonwealth's monarch.
Football has paid tribute to the beloved monarch since her passing. Fixtures at all levels - including grassroots - were postponed as a mark of respect. The opening weekend of the WSL season was also delayed by a week due to the Queen's passing.
The new campaign started with Friday evening's fixture between Arsenal and Brighton, which ended in a 4-0 win to the Gunners. Both sets of players and the capacity crowd inside Meadow Park observed a minute's silence ahead of the game.
The crowd also stood up to applaud in the 70th minute to celebrate the Queen's 70-year reign. Her Majesty has been succeeded on the thrown by her son, King Charles III.
Fans also observed a minute's silence and applauded the Queen in the 70th minute at this weekend's other WSL games, including Manchester United's comprehensive 4-0 win against Reading at Leigh Sports Village on Saturday afternoon.
The other four fixtures took place throughout Sunday, starting with Aston Villa's 4-3 win against Manchester City at Villa Park before Tottenham defeated Leicester 2-1 at the King Power Stadium and West Ham edged Everton 1-0 at Victoria Park.
This weekend's final WSL game was held at Prenton Park, where Liverpool welcomed Chelsea. Once again, a minute's silence was impeccably overserved. Blues manager Emma Hayes, who now has an OBE, received her MBE from the Queen in 2016.
"The game [last weekend] was called off quite rightly in honour of Her Majesty," said Hayes on Friday. "The internationals have recognised the enormity of our Royal Family and the place it plays in our society. I speak as an English woman when I say it’s been a very sombre week, and very overwhelming seeing the coverage in the build-up to the funeral.
"It’s befitting on Sunday for the women’s season to start and hopefully the fans and the players get the opportunity to pay respect in the way we know best, on the football pitch.
"Our country has lost unbelievable service from a person who has given absolutely everything to her country during her reign. For most of us in this country we have experienced no other monarch. There is nothing but deep respect and gratitude for somebody who has done so much for this country."
The FA asked all football clubs to observe a minute's silence before this weekend's games. "We will be recommending to clubs, leagues and competitions across the country that a minute’s silence is observed before matches are played, and that black armbands should be worn where possible," read a statement.
