Manchester City have become the latest British side to see a pre-match request rejected by UEFA.
European football’s governing body has banned British football clubs from playing the national anthem before matches in honour of the Queen.
Football matches across the country will see tributes to Her Majesty the Queen pre-match, following her death at Balmoral on Thursday afternoon.
On Tuesday, Mike Minay reported that a minute’s silence will be held at the Etihad Stadium in midweek ahead of kick-off.
Manchester City, Chelsea and Rangers all asked for permission to play God Save The King before kick-off in their home Champions League clashes tonight.
But Uefa refused, claiming it had to ensure a ‘subdued atmosphere’ without any ‘celebratory activities’ before games.
A statement from UEFA, said: “There will be no anthems played – this also includes the #UCL anthem – on the basis of maintaining a consistent pre-match ceremony with a subdued atmosphere and without any celebratory activities across all UK venues to show respect.”
Manchester City are understood to have been keen to give their supporters the opportunity to pay their respects to the Queen by singing the anthem.
The news was shared on Twitter by City Xtra and it attracted plenty of attention from the club’s supporters.
“Rare UEFA W.”
Credit: @PricelessJulian
“Weird but I can see why, UEFA can’t let any nations seem to have favouritism. Gives them the ‘we say no to everything’ argument in case stuff becomes controversial”
Credit: @CitySZN__
“When I worked at the Etihad, city wanted the legend ‘Blue Moon’ in coloured squares in the South stand. UEFA said no, because it wasn’t a CL brand! City went ahead and did it anyway. Tomorrow should be the same. Come on Man City do the right thing..”
Credit: @Record_Peddler
“That’s fine we’ll boo their anthem anyway.”
Credit: @MCFC_Samm
“Can’t stop fans singing it though.”
Credit: @RussellMcfc
“Uefa have no respect whatsoever!.”
Credit: @Jtr22James
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