UEFA rejects Chelsea’s request ahead Champions League game against Salzburg

UEFA has rejected requests from Chelsea, Manchester City and Rangers to play the national anthem before their Champions League fixtures on Wednesday evening.

All three British clubs asked the European governing body if they could play ‘God Save the King’.

But UEFA has rejected the proposal 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.