FEARS that tributes to The Queen would not be universally respected by football fans was a factor behind UK football fixtures being postponed this weekend, according to reports.
The SFA and SPFL confirmed yesterday that no professional matches would take place in Scotland this weekend following the death of The Queen.
The Premier League and EFL also postponed fixtures and the Daily Mail report that part of the reasoning for fixtures being called off was to avoid "universal embarrassment" if tributes were not observed.
It comes as Hearts condemn 'senseless behaviour' following silence disruption during a minute's pause in memory of The Queen during Thursday's Europa Conference League match against Istanbul Basaksehir.
Shamrock Rovers supporters also caused outrage when they interrupted a silence during Thursday European tie against Swedish club Djurgardens.
Many clubs across the UK released that there may be backlash to announcements surrounding postponements and turned off replies to their posts on Twitter.
Government advice was that sport was under no obligation to stop but the Scottish football authorities made the announcement after leagues in Northern Ireland and England had earlier called off all matches.
A joint statement read: “Following meetings this morning (Friday), the Scottish FA, Scottish Professional Football League, Scottish Women’s Premier League, and Scottish Highland and Lowland Football Leagues have agreed that all professional football matches will be postponed this weekend as a mark of respect following the passing of Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II.”
The decision also incorporates all games involving teams in the Scottish pyramid plus the Women’s Scottish Cup. The Scottish Junior Football Association had already called off all of its fixtures.
SFA president Rod Petrie said: “We spoke with our counterparts across the UK this morning and in discussions with our colleagues across the professional game in Scotland it was agreed that this was the appropriate step to take following the passing of Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II.
“We will work with our clubs and members in the meantime to ensure appropriate steps are taken throughout the period of mourning.”
SPFL chief executive Neil Doncaster stated the decision was taken following consultation with the Scottish and UK governments plus the English Premier League among others.
“The passing of the Queen, a constant in our lives for 70 years, is a profound and momentous occasion,” he added. “It is therefore appropriate that professional football marks this event with all possible solemnity. We will update clubs and supporters when we have clarity over official arrangements for Her Majesty’s funeral.”
