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Topics: Premier League, Tottenham Hotspur, Nottingham Forest, Football
Luke Davies
Topics: Premier League, Tottenham Hotspur, Nottingham Forest, Football
The Premier League have issued a statement regarding tonight’s match between Tottenham Hotspur and Nottingham Forest following Pope Francis’ death.
Pope Francis, born Jorge Mario Bergoglio, passed away at 05:35 am (BST) on Monday (April 21), according to a statement released by Cardinal Kevin Farrell on behalf of the Vatican.
"This morning at 07:35 local time (05:35 GMT) the Bishop of Rome, Francis, returned to the home of the Father," read the statement.
"He taught us to live the values of the Gospel with fidelity, courage and universal love, especially in favour of the poorest and most marginalised.
"With immense gratitude for his example as a true disciple of the Lord Jesus, we commend the soul of Pope Francis to the infinite merciful love of the One and Triune God."
Shortly after, it was confirmed by Serie A that all four of Monday's scheduled fixtures - Torino vs Udinese, Cagliari vs Fiorentina, Genoa vs Lazio and Parma vs Juventus - had been postponed.
A statement posted to the league’s official social media channels read: “Following the passing of His Holiness, Lega Nazionale Professionisti Serie A can confirm that today's league games in Serie A and Primavera 1 have been postponed. The date of the rearranged fixtures will be announced in due course.”
Tributes from several football clubs from around the world began pouring in, with AS Roma stating that “his legacy of peace and solidarity will remain an enduring example.”
Real Madrid's squad held a minute silence at their Real Madrid City training centre, and a statement posted to the club's website described the late Pope as an "enormous spirit of solidarity and support for the most disadvantaged and vulnerable people".
While Barcelona, Lazio and Juventus also expressed their condolences, just to name a few of the many clubs that paid homage to the 88-year-old.
Later this evening, Tottenham Hotspur will host Nottingham Forest at the Tottenham Stadium in the Premier League.
When SPORTbible contacted the Premier League about whether a tribute would take place, the organisation issued the following statement:
“We are not planning anything centrally, but the clubs can of course decide if they want to do any tributes.”