MANSFIELD released 96 doves after a minute’s silence and the national anthem in a touching moment before tonight’s game.
The Stags hosted Carlisle in League Two – their first match since the sad passing of Queen Elizabeth II aged 96 last Thursday.
The EFL called off all of their matches over the weekend as a mark of respect to Her Majesty.
But they resumed their fixture schedule this evening with the Championship, League One and League Two action.
There was a minute’s silence before all 30 EFL matches as football paused to remember the longest-reigning monarch in British history.
Players also wore black armbands – just as Tottenham and Liverpool did in the Champions League.
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But at Mansfield’s Field Mill, following the silence, the club also invited supporters to join in singing the national anthem, God Save The King.
Then club director and funeral director Paul Brown released 96 doves into the Nottinghamshire dusk – each one representing a year of The Queen’s remarkable life.
One fan said: “Brilliantly observed and well organised MTFC. Fans are a credit to the club.”
On the pitch, it ended goalless as Mansfield missed the chance to leapfrog Doncaster into the final play-off place.
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However, there was drama as one of the goal nets broke in the top corner.
Stags grounds staff were unable to reach the problem so had to get Carlisle goalkeeper Tomas Holy to tape the net up in bizarre scenes.
Source: Soccer - thesun.co.uk
