The Queen: Man Utd and West Ham European games to go ahead despite monarch’s passing

Manchester United and West Ham have confirmed their European fixtures will go ahead, despite the announcement of the death of Her Majesty The Queen, Elizabeth II.

The news of the passing of the Queen at the age of 96 was confirmed by Buckingham Palace on Thursday.

Manchester United will play Real Sociedad in their opening Europa League group stage game at Old Trafford at 8pm local time, while West Ham host FCSB at London Stadium at the same time in their first outing in the Europa Conference League group stage.

Both clubs released similarly worded statements shortly after the announcement of the Queen’s death confirming their games will go ahead on the direction of the Football Association and UEFA.

It was also revealed that a minute’s silence will be held before kick-off of both games.

Arsenal held a minute’s silence and wore black armbands at the start of the second half of their Europa League group stage game against FC Zurich to pay respects.