Solar eclipse briefly drew attention at sports events across UK and Europe
Sports fans at events across the UK and Europe paused on Wednesday as the most significant solar eclipse since 1999 became visible, with a partial eclipse seen in the UK and a total eclipse peaking over parts of Spain and Iceland.
The eclipse was visible across the UK and Europe, with more than 90% of the Sun covered by the Moon in parts of the UK depending on location, and experts warned spectators not to look directly at the Sun without protection. Many supporters who did not have certified glasses improvised home-made viewing methods, and BBC Sport compiled images showing how the phenomenon intersected with several sporting fixtures.
At Edgbaston, the solar eclipse was visible behind the floodlights during the men's Hundred match between Birmingham Phoenix and MI London, and organisers issued a warning for Hundred fans watching the eclipse. Photographs captured the reduced daylight around the ground as spectators glanced skyward during the contest.
The partial eclipse occurred during day three of the European Athletics Championships in Birmingham, with images showing athletes and officials working while the Moon obscured much of the Sun. The championship continued amid the temporary dimming of daylight.
Arsenal displayed a message encouraging fans to wear protective glasses to watch the solar eclipse before their home pre-season friendly against Como, while some supporters resorted to cardboard and a colander to try to see the event. One fan at the Arsenal friendly used his phone to capture the moment as the Sun was obscured.
A Paris St-Germain supporter is pictured attempting to view the eclipse prior to the French side's Super Cup match against Aston Villa in Austria, with spectators at that fixture also pausing to observe the sky. The match preparations briefly intersected with the celestial event.
Real Madrid players warmed up at Deportivo La Coruna's stadium during the solar eclipse, and Deportivo La Coruna fans donned special glasses before their pre-season friendly against Real Madrid. Stadium images show both players and supporters experiencing the reduced sunlight as the teams prepared for the match.
The photographs were taken at fixtures including Arsenal's pre-season friendly against Como, Aston Villa's Super Cup match with Paris St-Germain, the men's Hundred match between Birmingham Phoenix and MI London, day three of the European Athletics Championships in Birmingham, and Deportivo La Coruna's pre-season friendly against Real Madrid.
