Watch: Bristol Rovers give rousing rendition of God Save the King before Lincoln City clash

‘God Save the King’ was sung around the Memorial Stadium for the first time as Bristol Rovers fans paid their respects to Queen Elizabeth II and ushered in her successor King Charles.

The Gas supporters were given their chance to pay their respects to Elizabeth at their home ground for the first time after her passing on Thursday, October 8.

The 300 fans that travelled to Portman Road for the first set of fixtures since her passing, paid their respects on Tuesday evening, but Saturday’s match with Lincoln City acted as the first opportunity to pay their respects as a collective unit.

Rovers followed suit with a majority of clubs in the English Football League and the Premier League in paying tribute to the long-serving monarch after guidance given by thee EFL.

The United Kingdom remains in a period of mourning and the opportunity to pay public respects was was extended to this week by football governing makers.

Minutes silence were held around the grounds in England and the three clubs in Wales with an option to also play the national anthem in their continued tributes.

It was their Rovers’ home game since the monarch’s death and a minute’s silence was held before the game alongside a rendition of God Save the King.

Another part of the tribute that was planned, was an an applause on the 70th minute, marking the years of reign Elizabeth had on the throne after succeeding her father George VI. in February 1952.

Both sets of players and officials wore black armbands and the matchday programme had a front cover that featured the Union flag, a Rovers flag and the Royal Family’s flag.

Supporters as they walked in through the Memorial Stadium gates, could also see the United Kingdom flag held at half mast, which is a gesure of respect for someone who has passed.

The home side also wore ‘Stewart 14’ warm up tops in respect of former player and assistant manager Marcus Stewart. It was announced last week that he had been diagnosed with Motor Neurone Disease.