Premier League REVEALS the SHOCKING REASON why Tottenham vs Nottingham Forest’s Monday night showdown has been POSTPONED — and it’s NOT what fans were expecting. Forest fans are just as Stunned…

The Premier League released a statement concerning the upcoming Tottenham Hotspur vs. Nottingham Forest match in light of Pope Francis’ passing.

Pope Francis, born Jorge Mario Bergoglio, died at 05:35 am (BST) on Monday, April 21, as announced by Cardinal Kevin Farrell on behalf of the Vatican.

“This morning at 07:35 local time (05:35 GMT) the Bishop of Rome, Francis, returned to the home of the Father,” read the statement.

“He taught us to live the values of the Gospel with fidelity, courage and universal love, especially in favour of the poorest and most marginalised.

“With immense gratitude for his example as a true disciple of the Lord Jesus, we commend the soul of Pope Francis to the infinite merciful love of the One and Triune God.”

Soon after, Serie A announced the postponement of all four Monday fixtures—Torino vs. Udinese, Cagliari vs. Fiorentina, Genoa vs. Lazio, and Parma vs. Juventus.

A statement on the league’s official social media channels declared: “Following the passing of His Holiness, Lega Nazionale Professionisti Serie A can confirm that today’s league games in Serie A and Primavera 1 have been postponed. The date of the rearranged fixtures will be announced in due course.”

Football clubs worldwide began sharing tributes, with AS Roma noting that “his legacy of peace and solidarity will remain an enduring example.”

Real Madrid’s squad observed a minute’s silence at their Real Madrid City training center, and a statement on the club’s website praised the late Pope’s “enormous spirit of solidarity and support for the most disadvantaged and vulnerable people.”

Clubs like Barcelona, Lazio, and Juventus, among many others, also extended their condolences for the 88-year-old pontiff.

This evening, Tottenham Hotspur will face Nottingham Forest at Tottenham Stadium in the Premier League.

When SPORTbible inquired about potential tributes, the Premier League responded with the following statement:

“We are not planning anything centrally, but the clubs can of course decide if they want to do any tributes.”