Why UEFA turned down Chelsea, Man City’s request to sing the national anthem

European club football body UEFA has turned down requests from English clubs Chelsea, Manchester City and Rangers to play the national anthem before their Champions League fixtures on Wednesday evening.

This comes after the British clubs had made their request known to the European governing body if they could play ‘God Save the King’.

However, UEFA has rejected the request as it said this was done in order to maintain a “subdued atmosphere” inside stadiums.

UEFA had confirmed the Champions League anthem will not be played in England or Scotland as a mark of respect for the Queen.

“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,” a statement read.

In another report, Chelsea will host Salzburg at Stamford Bridge tonight as their new manager Graham Potter makes his debut following Thomas Tuchel’s sack at the club.