Sports world sends condolences following Queen Elizabeth II's death

By Can Erozden

ANKARA (AA) - The world of sports expressed condolences Thursday to the Royal Family and Britons after the death of long-serving monarch Queen Elizabeth II.

The English Premier League, English football clubs, English Football Association (The FA), Team GB, or the British Olympic Team, Formula 1 and Wimbledon each wrote condolences on Twitter.

"The Premier League is deeply saddened to hear of the passing of Her Majesty The Queen, Elizabeth II. Our thoughts and condolences are with The Royal Family and everyone around the world mourning the loss of Her Majesty," said the top-tier English football league.

Football clubs Arsenal, Chelsea, Fulham, Manchester City, Manchester United, Tottenham Hotspur and West Ham United shared similar messages to mourn the death of the queen.

"Formula 1 mourns the passing of Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II," said Formula 1 President and CEO Stefano Domenicali.

"For more than seven decades she dedicated her life to public service with dignity and devotion and inspired so many around the world. Formula 1 sends its deepest condolences to the Royal Family and to the people of the United Kingdom and the Commonwealth.”

Mercedes and Oracle Red Bull Racing from Formula 1 each expressed condolences.

"We wish to convey our deepest sympathy and heartfelt condolences to The Royal Family on the sad passing of Her Majesty The Queen," Wimbledon, one of four Grand Slam tennis tournaments tweeted.

"The United States Soccer Federation pays its deepest respect to the legacy and memory of Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II. To her family and the people of Great Britain, we wish you peace, strength and comfort," said US Soccer.

The Spanish La Liga, Spanish football clubs Real Sociedad and Valencia, Scottish football team Rangers and Italy's Lazio also sent condolences.

Additionally, Real Sociedad said the Spanish club's players will wear black armbands to mourn and respect the passing of the Queen when they play Manchester United in a UEFA Europa League match Thursday at Old Trafford, Manchester.

Manchester United will also wear the armbands.

"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 said in a statement.

Elizabeth II, 96, was the longest-serving monarch in British history. Buckingham Palace said she "died peacefully" at Balmoral Castle in Scotland.

"The King and The Queen Consort will remain at Balmoral this evening and will return to London tomorrow," it added.

The queen had mobility and health issues for the past year stemming from old age. She had to cancel several engagements due to her health and her physician's advice.

Her final public appearance was during the Platinum Jubilee celebration in June as the monarch marked 70 years on the British throne. A statement issued mid-day Thursday said the queen was placed under "medical supervision" at Balmoral in Aberdeenshire.