FAW and WRU postpone all matches after Queen’s death – but not all fans are happy
The Football Association of Wales and Welsh Rugby Union have postponed all matches this weekend after the Queen’s death.
They join the Premier League, EFL and National League who have already postponed all fixtures in English leagues. England’s RFU however confirmed that matches would be going ahead.
Under 18 rugby marches will however be going ahead in Wales.
The FAW said in a statement: “The Football Association of Wales can confirm that this weekend’s fixtures (9-12 September) at all levels of the game will be postponed as a mark of respect following the passing of Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II.
“Further updates on fixtures scheduled to take place during the period of mourning will be provided in due course.”
The WRU said: “The Welsh Rugby Union is suspending all senior rugby matches in Wales this weekend as a mark of respect to the passing of Her Majesty The Queen.
“The suspension applies to all senior rugby scheduled to take place this weekend (9th/lOtha1th September).
“The WRU is also fully supportive of decisions already taken by professional sides in Wales to cancel scheduled friendly fixtures.
“Mini, junior and U18 matches already in place this weekend do have permission to go ahead to avoid disruption to children and families, but clubs are requested to observe a period of two minutes’ silence before all matches.
“Further decisions about when to return to play will be taken next week in accordance with Royal protocol.”
‘Bonkers’
The decision to cancel matches was not universally popular, with many fans leaving comments on social media reacting negatively to the announcements.
John McAllister responded to the FAW: “Shambles. Hope you’re going to reimburse clubs, volunteers, players and fans who have lost out financially as a result of these matches being postponed. And also helping financially for clubs who are going to have to use floodlighting for the rearranged games later in the year.”
Scott Beck added: “Ridiculous decision. All clubs could have paid their respects with a minute’s silence, wearing black armbands etc. Makes no sense cancelling sport when you go still go to the pub, restaurant, cinema, theatre, shopping etc!”
Historian Professor Martin Johnes of Swansea University pointed out that “football carried on the day after George VI died”.
Daniel Pugsley reacted to the WRU: “Absolutely bonkers decision so late in the day. Buses booked by teams for away games, food bought and yet another loss of revenue.
“Surely a minute’s silence by teams before a game tomorrow like they are doing in England would show far more respect.”
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This isn’t necessary, it’s not mandatory by government and it’s not wanted by fans, players or small businesses who own a stake in games going ahead this weekend.
This is brown-nosing to someone who we’re told “cared about all her people” and therefore would not want us losing out on much needed entertainment or source of financial support.
Some of us remember Aberfan, and over a week after the disaster she showed up, about 1 1/2 hour drive, talk about respect, it goes both ways. Imagine a tragedy in England and no visit for a week. This ar*e licking fest is over the top.
And also remember this, while our governing bodies, sport and leisure, bow and doff a cap, it wasn’t long ago the queens husband died, and what did they do in Downing st, PARTY, and not just once, and even on the eve of his funeral. Now, get up off your knees and stop this boot licking show of sychophancy.
Economy destroyed, lets suspend eveything for 10 days, for someone nobody knew except her staff.