Fans of two Lancashire football clubs have been praised for their impeccable minute’s silence for the Queen ahead of their Championship tie.

Burnley FC travelled to Preston North End last night after it was decided English football could resume, after the weekend’s games were postponed as a mark of respect to Queen Elizabeth II.

Her Majesty, who was a patron of the Football Association, died on Thursday aged 96 after 70 years on the throne.

It was the first league meeting between the two fierce rivals since the 2015/16 season, with the Clarets taking 5,644 supporters to Deepdale for the clash which was also shown live on Sky Sports.

Lancashire Telegraph: The minute's silence observed at Deepdale. Pic: PAThe minute's silence observed at Deepdale. Pic: PA (Image: PA)

However, fans put their rivalries to one side for two minutes before the game, as the stadium stood as one in a minute’s silence perfectly observed by all in attendance.

The period of reflection was followed by a rousing rendition of God Save the King by tenor Russell Watson, which much of the crowd joined in for.

 

The pre-game mark of respect was shared on Twitter by Sky Sports, with many fans of a range of clubs taking to the platform to praise the fans.

Burnley fan Sparky Parkinson said: “That’s how it’s done lads and lasses,” which Preston fan Andy Wilson replied to with a ‘shaking hands’ emoji.

Sunderland fan Duane Lumsdon said: “Well done Preston, exceptional fans,” while Paul Clarke, a Newcastle United supporter, replied: “How it should be done, well done both teams and fans.”

Leeds United supporter Liane Baxter said: “Absolutely brilliant, well done to all,” with another Newcastle fan, Phil, adding: “And that's how it should be done! Class acts Preston and Burnley.”

Lancashire Telegraph: Russell Watson sang God Save the King prior to kick off in the Lancashire derby. Pic: PARussell Watson sang God Save the King prior to kick off in the Lancashire derby. Pic: PA (Image: PA)

At Ewood Park, there was a “perfectly observed minute's silence, with a mixture of applause and the national anthem to follow”, our Rovers reporter Rich Sharpe noted, prior to the game against Watford.

It came as there was some controversy at Liverpool’s tie against Ajax in the Champions League at Anfield last night, with a smattering of boos and chanting during the minute’s silence which was cut noticeably short by the match referee.

This was despite pleas from club legends for fans to show respect during the silence, including from Kenny Dalglish, who won the Premier League during his spell as Blackburn Rovers manager, and Graeme Souness, who also was Rovers manager for a time.