Queen’s death at 96 stops sporting world in its tracks

The Queen’s death overnight has stunned the world and the sporting world has been no different as it stopped to pay its respect.

The world is in mourning after the death of Queen Elizabeth at 96 overnight and the sporting world has been no different, setting up some extraordinary scenes overnight.

The longest reigning monarch in British history, the Queen was a beloved figure and the outpouring of grief flowed as the sporting world paid their respects.

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Play was immediately halted in the first round of the BMW PGA Championship at the Wentworth Club outside London as the news trickled through with the tournament confirming there would be no play on Friday out of respect.

Thirty players had yet to complete their opening rounds.

The iconic St Andrews golf club also released a statement following her death.

“We are greatly saddened to learn of the passing of Her Majesty today,” it read. “Following her accession in 1952, Her late Majesty graciously accepted the Patronage of The Royal and Ancient Golf Club of St Andrews, as has been the custom of reigning Monarchs since HM King William IV in 1834.

“Although not a golfer, Her late Majesty’s 70-year patronage of the Club was a great honour for its Members. We hold His Majesty The King and all The Royal Family in our thoughts at this time of mourning.”

Play was suspended immediately. Photo by Ross Kinnaird/Getty Images

The football world also saw incredible scenes as the likes of Arsenal, Manchester United and West Ham all paid tribute to Her Majesty during their Europa League ties.

Arsenal were playing away to Zurich and players from both teams gather around the centre circle after half time for a minute’s silence.

There were similar scenes at London Stadium and Old Trafford.

After it was confirmed

“Following direction from the FA and UEFA, tonight’s UEFA Europa League fixture against Real Sociedad will take place as planned at Old Trafford,” a statement read.

“A minute’s silence will be held before kick-off which will allow the teams, match officials and everyone in attendance to pay their respects to Her Majesty, The Queen.

“Both teams will wear black armbands and the flags at Old Trafford will fly at half-mast as a sign of our utmost respect.”

There were clear outpourings of grief in the crowd.

The weekend’s Premier League action is also up in the air as Britain goes into a period of mourning but sports event organisers are expected to be allowed to make their own decision regarding events going forward.

Cricket bosses announced the second day of the third Test between England and South Africa would not take place. It comes after day one was washed out without a ball being bowled.

“Following the death of Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II, Friday’s play between England and South Africa Men at The Oval, along with all scheduled matches in the (women’s domestic) Rachael Heyhoe Flint Trophy, will not take place,” the ECB said in a statement.

Tributes flow from the sporting world

Boxing world champion Tyson Fury and England’s football captain Harry Kane have led the tributes from the sporting world to The Queen following her death at the age of 96, The Sun reported.

WBC heavyweight boxing champion Fury wrote on Instagram: “Thoughts & prayers with my Queen tonight, may God be with you. RIP. may the lord god grant u a good bed in heaven.”

England football captain and Tottenham striker Harry Kane said: “My thoughts are with the Royal Family at this very difficult time. The Queen was an amazing inspiration and will be remembered for her incredible years of service to this country. Rest in peace, Your Majesty.”

Former world boxing champ Anthony Joshua tweeted: “Rest in peace.”

English boxing legend Ricky Hatton wrote: “So so sad, RIP Your Majesty. RIP You will be missed.”

Arsenal paid tribute in Zurich. Photo by Christian Kaspar-Bartke/Getty Images

Former England forward Gary Lineker said: “Such a terribly sad day. Her Majesty The Queen has died. A truly remarkable woman who served her country with dignity, loyalty and grace. A comforting ever present in the lives of most of us. Rest In Peace, Your Majesty.”

The Football Association tweeted: “We have sent our deepest condolences to our president, HRH The Duke of Cambridge and the whole of the @RoyalFamily following the passing of Her Majesty, Queen Elizabeth II.

“We join our nation in mourning her loss.”

The British Horse Racing Authority released a statement that read: “All of British Racing is in mourning today following the passing of Her Majesty The Queen.

“Her Majesty has been one of the greatest and most influential supporters in the history of horseracing. Her passion for racing and the racehorse shone brightly throughout her life, not only through her close involvement in breeding and racing horses, but in her roles as a patron of The Jockey Club and Thoroughbred Breeders Association, and as the figurehead of Royal Ascot.

“From her first-ever winner Monaveen, through stars such as Carrozza and Highclere, to the unforgettable Estimate, Her Majesty The Queen has helped to shape the breed and contributed to moments on the track that will go down in sporting folklore.

“It is right, therefore, that all racing is suspended for today and tomorrow as we begin to grieve Her Majesty’s passing and remember her extraordinary life and contribution to our sport and our nation.”

Football fans paid their respects. Photo by Marc Atkins/Getty Images

World Athletics president Sebastian Coe also released a statement.

“The Queen was such a beloved constant in the lives of so many people over so many years that it is hard to comprehend that she is no longer with us,” he wrote.

“She was on the throne before most of us were born and she lived a life of extraordinary service to the people of her country and the Commonwealth.

“In the most demanding of roles, she has shown exceptional leadership, grace, wisdom and fortitude, touching us across the full fabric of society, including sport.

“I will never forget her total commitment to the success of the London 2012 Olympic and Paralympic Games. She has been a source of continuity and comfort, and she will be grievously missed by us all. We will never see her like again.

“At this momentous time, my thoughts are with her family. I hope they are comforted by the support of a grateful nation, and of so many people around the world.”

US tennis legend Billie Jean King posted: “I am saddened to learn of the passing of Queen Elizabeth II. For 70 years, her leadership, impact, and influence on the United Kingdom and the entire global community has been immense. I met her in 2010 at Wimbledon, and it was a special moment for me.

“She was the longest reigning British monarch in history, the only woman from the Royal Family to serve in the armed forces, and a respected leader around the world. She earned her place in history, and she will be missed.”

With The Sun