Premier League pays tribute to The Queen as action returns on Friday night but minority of Forest fans interrupt silence
THE QUEEN was remembered on Friday night as the Premier League returned.
A minute’s silence in honour of Her Majesty was held at Aston Villa and Nottingham Forest.
Several fans at the City Ground shouted during the tribute.
But their protests were drowned out by applause before fans at Forest and Villa Park sang God Save The King.
The Queen’s image was broadcast on the big screen as a minute’s applause rang out around the two grounds.
As part of the Premier League’s new protocol no pre-match music was played while the pre-match handshake was also abandoned.
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Players, managers and match officials also wore black armbands – just as English clubs did in European matches this week.
Villa Park descended into darkness for the moment of remembrance – Villa’s match programme also featured a photo of The Queen.
Fans at both stadiums also applauded on the 70th minute to mark Her Majesty’s 70 years on the throne and once again sang the national anthem.
It was Villa and Fulham fans signing after the full-time whistle as Steven Gerrard’s side beat Southampton 1-0.
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Meanwhile, a five-goal thriller at the City Ground ended with a 3-2 Fulham win over Nottingham Forest despite going a goal down.
Five other Prem games are set to take place this weekend and all will follow the same protocol.
But three matches have been postponed including Manchester United vs Leeds.
The Red Devils revealed the game could not go ahead due to insufficient numbers of police due to members of Greater Manchester police supporting forces across the United Kingdom in preparation for The Queen’s funeral.
Chelsea vs Liverpool has been postponed for similar reasons while Brighton v Crystal Palace is off due to train strikes.