PROFESSIONAL football matches across Scotland this weekend have been postponed following the death of Her Majesty the Queen.

In the last few minutes, the Scottish Football Association, Scottish Professional Football League, Scottish Women's Premier League, and the Highland and Lowland leagues have agreed to call off fixtures as a mark of respect to the monarch, whose passing was announced yesterday (Thursday) evening.

Dunfermline had been due to travel to Clyde in League One, whilst Kelty Hearts, in the same division, were to host Queen of the South.

In addition, Dunfermline Athletic Ladies' Scottish Cup preliminary tie, against Clark Drive, on Sunday, is also off.

A joint statement released by the SFA, SPFL, SWPL and the Highland and Lowland leagues read: "Following meetings this morning, the Scottish FA, Scottish Professional Football League, Scottish Women’s Premier League, and Scottish Highland and Lowland Football Leagues have agreed that all professional football matches will be postponed this weekend as a mark of respect following the passing of Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II.

"This postponement will also incorporate the Women’s Scottish Cup fixtures this weekend."

Rod Petrie, SFA president, said: "We spoke with our counterparts across the UK this morning and in discussions with our colleagues across the professional game in Scotland it was agreed that this was the appropriate step to take following the passing of Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II.

"We will work with our clubs and members in the meantime to ensure appropriate steps are taken throughout the period of mourning."

Neil Doncaster, chief executive of the SPFL, said: "Following consultation with the UK and Scottish Governments, the Scottish FA, our counterparts at the EPL and others, we confirm that all SPFL fixtures scheduled for this weekend will be postponed as a mark of respect.

"The passing of The Queen, a constant in our lives for 70 years, is a profound and momentous occasion. It is therefore appropriate that professional football marks this event with all possible solemnity.

"We will update clubs and supporters when we have clarity over official arrangements for Her Majesty’s funeral."

Following confirmation of the postponement, Dunfermline Athletic said: "Tomorrow`s match against Clyde has been postponed as a mark of respect following the passing of HM Queen Elizabeth II.

"Everyone at Dunfermline Athletic Football Club was saddened to learn of the passing of Her Majesty The Queen. As we enter a period of mourning within the country the SPFL have confirmed that Saturday`s match against Clyde has been postponed.

"Further updates will be communicated in due course."

In addition, it has been confirmed that South Challenge Cup ties involving local clubs are also off.

Those include Inverkeithing Hillfield Swifts v Kilsyth Athletic, Hill of Beath Hawthorn v Dunipace, Linlithgow Rose v Oakley United, Lochgelly Albert v Bo'ness Athletic, and Lochore Welfare v Dundonald Bluebell.

Cowdenbeath were not due to play, having been knocked out of the competition in the previous round by Cumbernauld Colts.

No decision has, as yet, been taken over matches due to be played over the weekend of September 17.

The announcement was made after the English Premier League, and English Football League, announced that their fixtures would not take place.

Elsewhere, Scottish Rugby have confirmed that all domestic matches will not be played this weekend, which affects Dunfermline Rugby Club's men's first and second XV's, and women's side, and Rosyth Sharks.

Shinty has also been put on hold, with Aberdour Shinty Club's trip to Strathglass in the Mowi National Division postponed.

In a meeting this morning, sports were advised by the Government that events could take place if staged in a commemorative and respectful manner.

Julian Knight, the chair of the Digital, Culture, Media and Sport select committee, said: "This seems to be a sensible approach – that it’s going to be up to individual sports how they mark the passing of our remarkable Queen.

"Whether that is silences, the wearing of black armbands or the singing of the National Anthem, or whether there will be those who wish at this time that perhaps there won’t be having an event at all – it’s completely up to the individual sports.

"But the Government guidance seems to be relatively flexible and understanding."