Sports pay tribute to Prince Philip following Duke of Edinburgh’s death
Flags at Wembley and St George’s Park will fly at half-mast, the FA has announced
Your support helps us to tell the story
From reproductive rights to climate change to Big Tech, The Independent is on the ground when the story is developing. Whether it's investigating the financials of Elon Musk's pro-Trump PAC or producing our latest documentary, 'The A Word', which shines a light on the American women fighting for reproductive rights, we know how important it is to parse out the facts from the messaging.
At such a critical moment in US history, we need reporters on the ground. Your donation allows us to keep sending journalists to speak to both sides of the story.
The Independent is trusted by Americans across the entire political spectrum. And unlike many other quality news outlets, we choose not to lock Americans out of our reporting and analysis with paywalls. We believe quality journalism should be available to everyone, paid for by those who can afford it.
Your support makes all the difference.The Premier League and other sporting competitions will pay their respects to Prince Philip this weekend following his death at the age of 99.
Buckingham Palace announced on Friday that the Duke of Edinburgh had died peacefully at Windsor Castle.
Tributes to his lifetime of service poured in from the world of sport, and sportsmen and women up and down the country will observe silences and wear black armbands this weekend as a mark of respect.
It is understood there are no plans for government to ask sports to cancel any events this weekend, and instead sports will be free to pay their respects in the most appropriate way they see fit.
Flags at Wembley and St George’s Park will fly at half-mast, the Football Association (FA) has announced.
“We have sent our deepest condolences to Her Majesty the Queen and our president, HRH The Duke of Cambridge, following the passing of HRH The Duke of Edinburgh,” an FA tweet read. “As a mark of our respect, all flags at Wembley Stadium and St George’s Park will fly at half-mast.”
A two-minute silence was observed before the afternoon session at Friday’s County Championship matches. Players and other staff wore black armbands and flags at grounds were lowered to half-mast.
England and Wales Cricket Board chair Ian Watmore said: “I’m sure I speak for the entire cricket family when I say how sad I am to hear of the passing of the Duke of Edinburgh.
“His passion for the game we all love was well known and the trophies presented to the men’s and women’s county champions are a tribute to his dedication to our sport. We owe him a great debt for his support and passion over many decades.”
The Rugby Football League, the Rugby Football Union and the Welsh Rugby Union also paid tribute to Prince Philip’s lifetime of service and expressed their condolences to Her Majesty The Queen and her family.
RFL chair Simon Johnson said: “As a sport, we will stand in tribute and reflection at our Challenge Cup matches this weekend to mark the life of The Duke of Edinburgh, whose life was a model of dedication to public service.”
Tottenham manager Jose Mourinho learned of the Duke’s death during his press conference before Sunday’s Premier League game against Manchester United, and said: “I would like to express my condolences to the Royal family and to be very honest and say I have the utmost respect for the Royal family.
“I believe that it is not just this country that is going to be sharing these feelings, because I’m not English and I know that many like myself, we have the utmost respect.”
Aintree held a two-minute silence before the start of racing on day two of the Grand National meeting. The Duke of Edinburgh was an honorary member of the Jockey Club. The two-minute silence took place on course at 1.35 before racing got under way, as scheduled, at 1.45. Jockeys were invited to wear black armbands, and flags at Aintree are being flown at half-mast.
Senior Jockey Club steward Sandy Dudgeon said: “We received the news of the Duke of Edinburgh’s death with great sadness. On behalf of the Jockey Club, I would like to extend our deepest condolences to our patron, Her Majesty The Queen, and all members of the Royal Family.”
British Olympic Association chair, Sir Hugh Robertson, paid tribute to the Duke.
“It is with great sadness that the British Olympic family learns of the passing of HRH The Duke of Edinburgh, “ he said.
“I would like to offer our sincere condolences to Her Majesty the Queen and the Royal Family, and especially to our President HRH The Princess Royal. The thoughts of the nation are with them all at this time.”
PA
Join our commenting forum
Join thought-provoking conversations, follow other Independent readers and see their replies
Comments