THE National Anthem will be played before all the remaining seven Premier League games this weekend as a mark of respect following the death of The Queen.
Top-flight chiefs are encouraging a tribute of applause by fans in the 70th minute of the games.
That would mark Her Majesty’s 70 years on the throne.
And with players donning black armbands, managers will be encouraged to wear suits in the dug-out.
However, that will not be a demand.
League bosses were outlining the plans for the weekend games at a lunchtime conference call with clubs.
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The Premier League cancelled all fixtures last weekend.
Now it has given the green light to seven games this time round.
The competition will resume with the Friday night matches at Aston Villa and Nottingham Forest.
League chiefs believe football should pay its respect to The Queen and will follow the EFL in playing the National Anthem before all matches.
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Three games have been postponed because of policing issues ahead of Monday’s funeral in London.
Those are Brighton vs Crystal Palace, Manchester United vs Leeds and Chelsea against Liverpool.
All the normal pre-match Premier League arrangements will go on hold for the weekend, with managers leading their teams to the centre circle before kick-off.
That means no playing of the Premier League anthem, the now-traditional team handshake and League backdrop scrapped.
A minute’s silence will precede the National Anthem with the players arranged around the centre-circle.
Instead of the match referee picking up the ball from a plinth as he emerges from the tunnel, the official will simply carry the ball to the centre-spot while all LED display boards will feature a simple memorial to The Queen.
Fans will be “invited” to join the applause at the 70-minute mark.
Source: Soccer - thesun.co.uk
