Scottish football matches postponed this weekend

The governing body have called off fixtures following the death of Queen Elizabeth II

Author: Andrew MacleanPublished 9th Sep 2022
Last updated 9th Sep 2022

The SPFL have postponed this weekend's matches after the death of Queen Elizabeth II.

Hearts were in Europa Conference League action on Thursday when the news of the Queen's death was announced by Buckingham Palace and players took part in a minute's silence before the start of the second half.

The governing body have now announced that no games will go ahead across the four divisions this weekend as a mark of respect.

Rangers were set to take on Aberdeen in Saturday's early kick-off while Celtic were due to host Livingston three hours later.

The other Saturday Premiership matches postponed are Dundee United against Hibs, Motherwell's visit to Ross County and Kilmarnock's clash with St Johnstone.

A Scottish FA statement read: "Following meetings this morning, 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.

"This postponement will also incorporate the Women’s Scottish Cup fixtures this weekend."

Rod Petrie, Scottish FA President added: “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 said: “Following consultation with the UK and Scottish Governments, the Scottish FA, our counterparts at the EPL and others, we confirm that all SPFL fixtures scheduled for this weekend will be postponed as a mark of respect.

“The passing of The Queen, a constant in our lives for 70 years, is a profound and momentous occasion. 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.”

Question marks remain over whether next week's UEFA matches will go ahead.

Rangers are scheduled to host Napoli in their second Champions League group match on Tuesday, while Celtic are set to travel to Warsaw to face Shakhtar Donetsk the following day.

Hearts are also due to play away to Latvian side Riga.

Tributes being paid to the Queen

Flowers are being laid outside many of the Queen's homes, following her death. Here a family lay flowers outside Windsor Castle in Berkshire, following the death of Queen Elizabeth II

Crowds gathered outside Buckingham Palace the evening after the news of the Queen's death was made public.

Mourners gather at Buckingham Palace placing flowers and paying their respect

Messages on the flowers included this 'Forever our Queen' message

Even the gates of Buckingham palace were adorned with flowers

Books of condolence have been set up in many places across the UK, including this one at Liverpool Cathedral

Birmingham Cathedral also had a space for remembrance

People were queuing to sign the book of condolence in Birmingham

Flowers at the gates of Balmoral in Scotland

Brighton UK 9th September 2022 - A tribute to The Queen at a bus stop in Brighton today after her death at the age of 96 was announced yesterday .

Floral tributes to Queen Elizabeth II at the gate of Buckingham Palace.
London, England, UK. 9th Sep, 2022.

Newmarket, UK. 9 September, 2022. Floral tributes left in memory to Queen Elizabeth II after her death on 8th September on a bronze statue designed by Etienne Millner, which is situated at the Newmarket Racecourse entrance which was a gift from the town in the year of her 90th birthday. Pictured is Matt Hancock Conservative MP, for West Suffolk, with his floral tribute the Queen.

Mourners make their way along the Long Walk to pay their respects at Windsor Castle, Berkshire, following the death of Queen Elizabeth II.

The Union Flag flies at half mast at the City Chambers in Edinburgh, following the death of Queen Elizabeth II.

John Houston of the Merchant Navy Association pays his respects at the Sandringham Estate in Norfolk following the death of Queen Elizabeth II.

Floral tributes and messages at the Sandringham Estate in Norfolk following the death of Queen Elizabeth II.

Floral tributes and messages at the gates of Sandringham House on the Sandringham Estate in Norfolk, following the announcement of the death of Queen Elizabeth II.

Minutes of silence before the game to pay respect after the death of Queen Elizabeth II before the UEFA Europa Conference League match at the London Stadium, London.
London, England, 8th September 2022.

Crowds gathered outside Buckingham Palace to pay tribute to Queen Elizabeth II who died on Thursday 8th September.
London, England, UK. 8th Sep, 2022.

Ulster Unionist Party leader Doug Beattie looks at Hillsborough Castle, Northern Ireland. The Queen died peacefully at Balmoral this afternoon, Buckingham Palace has announced.

Floral tributes left at the gates of Hillsborough Castle, Northern Ireland. The Queen died peacefully at Balmoral this afternoon, Buckingham Palace has announced.

DUP leader Jeffrey Donaldson looks at floral tributes at Hillsborough Castle, Northern Ireland. The Queen died peacefully at Balmoral this afternoon, Buckingham Palace has announced.

Floral tributes continue to be left outside several locations across the country and the world. Here, on 11th September, at the gates of Buckingham Palace, the crowds continue to gather and leave flowers and other tributes.

Six-year-old Terezka Cernianska leaves flowers at the gates of Balmoral in Scotland, following the death of Queen Elizabeth II.

Large crowds gather to show their respect along the A90, Forfar, as the coffin of Queen Elizabeth II is taken to Edinburgh.

Floral tributes left next to a fountain in St James' Park outside Buckingham Palace.