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Sporting world in uproar over 'disgusting' scenes after Queen's death

Football players and fans, pictured here paying tribute to Queen Elizabeth II at Europa League matches around the world.
Football players and fans paid tribute to Queen Elizabeth II at Europa League matches around the world. Image: Getty

Queen Elizabeth II's death has sparked some unsavoury scenes in the sporting world, with Irish football fans celebrating the news and a number of tributes marred by booing.

Fans around the world have condemned 'disgusting' scenes after a number of moments of silence in the UK were overshadowed by booing and shouting on Thursday.

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Arsenal and FC Zurich players were among the first to hold a minute's silence before the second half of their Europa League group game, with the devastating news of the Queen's death coming through during the match.

The news came through about the same time the players were leaving the pitch for half-time, with a minute's silence then taking place before the second stanza.

A photo of the Queen was displayed on the big screen at the Stadion Letzigrund in Zurich as the players paid their respects.

However there were unsavoury scenes when some spectators started booing and shouting during the silence.

There were similar scenes during the match between Hearts and İstanbul Başakşehir at the Tynecastle Stadium in Scotland.

A minute's silence descended into chaos and had to be finished early when booing and shouting also rang out around the crowd.

A minute's silence for Queen Elizabeth II, pictured here during the Europa Conference League group B match between West Ham United and FCSB.
A minute's silence is held for Queen Elizabeth II during the Europa Conference League group B match between West Ham United and FCSB. (Photo by Rob Newell - CameraSport via Getty Images) (Rob Newell - CameraSport via Getty Images)

Other fans started singing ‘God Save The Queen’, but that was also met with booing, forcing officials to call and end to the tribute early.

A football match in Ireland was also marred by fans who started singing 'Lizzie's in a box' when the news came through.

Video of the moment at Tallaght Stadium in Dublin has gone viral on social media, which occurred during a UEFA Europa Conference League match between Ireland’s Shamrock Rovers and Djurgårdens IF Fotboll from Sweden.

Fans around the world were quick to slam the ugly scenes in the wake of the devastating loss of her majesty.

Manchester United also held a minute's silence before their clash with Real Sociedad at Old Trafford, with players around the world wearing black arm bands.

"Manchester United shares the sorrow of the entire nation following the announcement from Buckingham Palace on the passing of Her Majesty, The Queen," the club said in a statement.

"The club recognises her immense contribution to public life, including sport, both here in the United Kingdom, across the Commonwealth, and around the world.

"Everyone connected with Manchester United joins the wider football family in sending our deepest condolences and heartfelt sympathy to The Royal Family.

"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 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."

Manchester United players, pictured here paying their respects after the death of Queen Elizabeth II.
Manchester United players pay their respects after the death of Queen Elizabeth II. (Photo by David S. Bustamante/Soccrates/Getty Images) (Soccrates Images via Getty Images)

Sporting events cancelled in wake of Queen's death

Meanwhile, several sporting events in Britain were called off as a mark of respect following the death of Queen Elizabeth II at the age of 96.

Organisers of the BMW PGA Championship golf event reacted to the announcement of the Queen’s death by immediately suspending play, with many players still out on the course at Wentworth.

The course and practice facilities will be closed on Friday.

The England and Wales Cricket Board said Friday’s play in the second Test between England and South Africa at the Oval would not take place.

Horse racing meetings in Britain were suspended on Thursday night and Friday, with the governing body wanting to "remember her extraordinary life and contribution to our sport and our nation.”

Domestic rugby matches in England and Scotland were called off on Thursday and games will not be played over the weekend either.

Friday's stage in cycling's Tour of Britain was also canceled, with a decision on the final two stages over the weekend to be taken in due course.

with Associated Press

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