The iconic Champions League anthem 'will not play at games in the UK' this week

The Champions League anthem will reportedly not be played at games in the United Kingdom this week, likely as a mark of respect for Queen Elizabeth II.

Composer Tony Britten penned the tune, simply titled 'Champions League' in 1992, and it's heavily influenced by George Frideric Handel's composition 'Zadok the Priest'.

'Zadok the Priest' is played at the coronation of British monarchs and the Telegraph have reported it won't be heard prior to kick-off at the four British venues hosting games over the next two days.

The reason for the anthem being pulled is yet to be confirmed but it is likely to do with the Queen's death on Thursday.

Liverpool host Ajax on Tuesday evening, while Chelsea, Manchester City and Rangers welcome RB Salzburg, Borussia Dortmund and Napoli to their respective stadiums on Wednesday.

The whole of the United Kingdom is in a 10 day mourning period following the death of its longest-serving monarch at the age of 96.

Every Premier League fixture this past weekend was postponed, but teams will be returning to action for their European requirements.

Tottenham Hotspur are away to Sporting CP in the Champions League on Tuesday evening, while Celtic will face Shakhtar Donetsk on neutral ground in Poland on Wednesday due to the ongoing conflict in Ukraine.

Manchester United and West Ham United travel to FC Sheriff and Silkeborg for Europa League and Europa Conference league ties on Thursday.

Arsenal's Europa League showdown with PSV Eindhoven has been called off as police resources are currently focused on the Queen's funeral next week.

That's also seen Manchester United's game with Leeds United and Liverpool's visit to Chelsea on Sunday postponed too.

The Premier League have confirmed that Chelsea vs. Liverpool and Man United vs. Leeds have been postponed this weekend... ❌ pic.twitter.com/qwHW7iIvai

— SPORTbible (@sportbible) September 12, 2022

Brighton and Crystal Palace's derby clash on Saturday had previously been called off due to planned rail strikes.

Those rail strikes are no longer going ahead, but the game still won't be played.

"Following extensive consultation with clubs, police, local Safety Advisory Groups and other relevant authorities, there was no other option but to postpone the three fixtures," an official Premier League statement reads.

"The Premier League would like to thank the UK Football Policing Unit and other police forces across the country, as well as our broadcast partners, for their support during this process, and will continue to liaise with them ahead of the weekend.

"For the matches being played during the period of National Mourning, tributes will be paid to The Queen at Premier League stadiums. New dates for the postponed matches will be announced in due course."