Champions League: UEFA turns down request to play ‘God Save The King’ anthem

Chelsea, Manchester City and Rangers have seen their requests to play the national anthem before Wednesday’s Champions League matches rejected by UEFA.

The three British teams made requests to play God Save the King following a period of silence in memory of Queen Elizabeth II.

However, it is understood some fans will defy this move, with Rangers fans expected to pay tribute to The Queen and sing the anthem before kick-off at Ibrox.

UEFA, who had already decided against playing its Champions League anthem, said “There will be no anthems played this also includes the UEFA Champions League 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 as we did last Thursday.”

Only Rangers supporters will be in attendance for their match against Napoli which was moved from Tuesday to Wednesday due to policing resources, with no away fans being permitted at the match in Naples too for sporting integrity.

Across all Champions League matches involving UK clubs, players will wear black armbands in memory of The Queen and take part in a moment of silence.