‘Will I be ejected from the stadium if I boo during a minute’s silence for the death of the Queen?’

Preston North End have defended their decision to issue a lifetime ban to a fan due to their comments about the Queen and the Royal Family.

The Royal family is in mourning following the death of Her Majesty The  Queen after Buckingham Palace announced the news on Thursday September 8. Queen Elizabeth II, Britain’s longest reigning monarch, passed away at the age of 96.

Preston, which plays in the Championship, issued a lifetime ban to a fan, following comments the supporter made regarding the Queen and the Royal Family.

The fan had tweeted: ‘Will I be ejected from the stadium if I boo during a minutes silence for the death of the queen? #pnefc.’ 

When requested for comment by Sportsmail, Preston said: ‘As a football club we acknowledge every individual’s right to free speech and personal opinions. In this specific case a series of tweets were put into the public domain and by association linked to this football club. 

‘One specific tweet, which has since been deleted, crossed the boundary of acceptability and by associating us as a club a stadium ban was issued. As with all decisions, if the individual were to make representations as to why our decision was inappropriate to their actions we will always listen.’

In a letter addressed to a supporter which was shared on Twitter, it read: ‘To confirm my phone calls and email to you on Friday 9th September 2022, your comments on Twitter about the Queen and Royal Family were reported to the club and the board were informed.

‘As a result of your comments Preston North End do not want to be associated with you, therefore you are receiving a life ban. Your season ticket and club account have been blocked from use.

‘This ban includes ALL MATCHES AT DEEPDALE & ALL RESERVE/FRIENDLY/YOUTH TEAM FIXTURES. The Police have been advised accordingly. 

‘This ban also relates to you entering all Preston North End F.C. property, including the Shop, Ticket Office and from purchasing or obtaining any away match tickets from the club.

‘Should you enter the Club property during this ban you will be ejected and other actions may well follow, such as court injunctions or involvement of the police.

‘All football clubs where Preston have an away fixture will also be informed of the ban.’