Wolves to wear black armbands as sporting world pays respects to Duke of Edinburgh

Philip passed away on Friday at the age of 99, having been married to the Queen for more than 70 years.

It is understood there are no plans for Government to ask sports to cancel any events this weekend, and instead sports will be free to pay their respects in the most appropriate way they see fit.

The Premier League will remember the the longest-serving consort in British history by having all players wear black armbands over the course of the weekend's top flight action, with a minute's silence also being held ahead of each game.

Wolves and Fulham will be the first sides to play this weekend, with Villa and Albion taking to the pitch on Saturday and Monday respectively.

The Premier League confirmed the decision and issued a statement on the Duke's sad passing online.

"The Premier League is deeply saddened to hear of the passing of His Royal Highness The Prince Philip, Duke of Edinburgh." the statement read.

"Our thoughts and condolences are with Her Majesty The Queen, The Royal Family and all those around the world mourning the loss of His Royal Highness.

"As a mark of respect, players will wear black armbands and there will be a minute’s silence before kick-off at all Premier League matches played tonight and across the weekend."

Rick Parry, chair of the EFL also issued a statement following the news.

"The EFL is truly saddened to learn of the passing of Prince Philip, Duke of Edinburgh, at the age of 99." he said.

"As a patron of over 800 organisations, his high regard for the encouragement of sport and welfare of young people was unequivocal, and his loss will undoubtedly be felt not only here in the UK but across the world.

"Our collective thoughts are with Her Majesty the Queen and the Royal Family at this difficult time."

Meanwhile, flags at Wembley and St George's Park will fly at half-mast.

The FA said in a statement: "We have sent our deepest condolences to Her Majesty the Queen and our president, HRH The Duke of Cambridge, following the passing of HRH The Duke of Edinburgh. As a mark of our respect, all flags at @WembleyStadium and St George's Park will fly at half-mast."

The England and Wales Cricket Board said there would be a two-minute silence before the afternoon session at each of Friday's County Championship matches.

Players and other staff will wear black armbands and flags at grounds will be lowered to half-mast, the ECB said.

England and Wales Cricket Board chair Ian Watmore said: "I'm sure I speak for the entire cricket family when I say how sad I am to hear of the passing of the Duke of Edinburgh.

"His passion for the game we all love was well known and the trophies presented to the men's and women's county champions are a tribute to his dedication to our sport. We owe him a great debt for his support and passion over many decades."

Elsewhere, Aintree held a two-minute silence following the news, ahead of the start of racing.

Jockeys will be invited to wear black armbands, and flags at Aintree are being flown at half-mast.

Senior Jockey Club steward Sandy Dudgeon said: "We received the news of the Duke of Edinburgh's death with great sadness. On behalf of the Jockey Club, I would like to extend our deepest condolences to our patron, Her Majesty The Queen, and all members of the Royal Family."

The Rugby Football League, the Rugby Football Union and the Welsh Rugby Union also paid tribute to Prince Philip's lifetime of service and expressed their condolences to Her Majesty The Queen and her family.

RFL chair Simon Johnson said: "As a sport, we will stand in tribute and reflection at our Challenge Cup matches this weekend to mark the life of The Duke of Edinburgh, whose life was a model of dedication to public service."