Piers Morgan brands decision to postpone this weekend’s Premier League matches as ‘ridiculous’

Piers Morgan has branded the decision to postpone the latest round of Premier League matches as ‘ridiculous’. 

On Thursday evening, Buckingham Palace announced the death of the Queen, aged 96. 

Since the news broke, there was uncertainty over whether this weekend’s Premier League matches would go ahead. 

Morgan expressed his opinion on Twitter prior to the official announcement, stating the games should be played. 

He wrote: “Sporting events should go ahead. a) The Queen loved sport and b) It would be great to see/hear huge crowds singing the National Anthem in tribute to Her Majesty, as West Ham fans did so magnificently last night.”

Former Manchester United defender Gary Neville agreed with Morgan. 

He replied: “I agree Piers. Sport can demonstrate better than most the respect the Queen deserves.” 

However, at 11:30am on Friday morning, the Premier League released a statement. 

It read: 'At a meeting this morning, Premier League clubs paid tribute to Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II. To honour her extraordinary life and contribution to the nation, and as a mark of respect, this weekend's Premier League match round will be postponed, including Monday evening's game.” 

Richard Masters, Premier League Chief Executive, said: “We and our clubs would like to pay tribute to Her Majesty's long and unwavering service to our country. As our longest-serving monarch, she has been an inspiration and leaves behind an incredible legacy following a life of dedication.

“This is a tremendously sad time for not just the nation, but also for the millions of people around the world who admired her, and we join together with all those in mourning her passing.”

After the decision was announced, Morgan showed his discontent on twitter. 

He simply said: “Ridiculous decision.” 

The EFL have since followed the decision of the Premier League by also postponing this weekend’s fixtures. 

Their statement said: “Further to discussions on Friday morning it has been determined that all EFL fixtures from 9-10 September will be postponed as a mark of respect by the National Sport to the passing of HRH Queen Elizabeth II.”