Why are Premier League players wearing black armbands this weekend?

Premier League players are wearing black armbands during this weekend's games, as the league pays its respects to the victims of the catastrophic earthquakes which struck Turkey and Syria on Monday.

More than 24,000 people are known to have lost their lives in the quakes, which caused widespread destruction in south-eastern Turkey and northern Syria.

On Saturday, the Premier League confirmed that it would donate £1m to the ongoing mission to help those impacted by the disaster. A statement from the league read:

"The Premier League is deeply saddened by the devastating earthquakes in Turkey and Syria, which have killed thousands of people. 

"The League will make a £1million donation to the Disasters Emergency Committee (DEC) Appeal to deliver humanitarian aid directly to those in need.

"Also, as a mark of respect to those who lost their lives, or are affected by these tragic events, Premier League players and PGMOL officials will wear black armbands at matches this weekend.

"Fans can also donate to the DEC’s Turkey-Syria earthquake appeal."