Football in Solidarity: England vs. Australia match to commemorate victims of Israel-Palestine conflict

Posted : 12 October 2023

Before England's match against Australia at Wembley, a moment of silence will be held to remember the innocent victims of the recent events in Israel and Palestine. Players will also wear black armbands during the game.

The decision comes in the wake of the conflict that saw Palestinian militant group Hamas launching attacks on Israel, followed by Israeli air strikes on Gaza, leading to significant casualties and displacements.

The Football Association (FA) released a statement expressing solidarity with the victims and communities affected by the ongoing conflict, emphasizing a stand for humanity and an end to suffering.

The FA also announced that only flags, replica kits, and other representations of competing nations would be allowed inside Wembley during the match against Australia and the upcoming Euro 2024 qualifier against Italy.

Former FA chairman David Bernstein expressed disappointment with the decision not to illuminate the Wembley arch in the colors of the Israeli flag, citing it as a delayed response to the events in Israel and a reflection of double standards in football's handling of such tragedies.

Various sports governing bodies were urged by the Department for Culture, Media and Sport to show support for the victims of the Israel attacks. The FA had previously illuminated the Wembley arch in the colors of national flags to express solidarity with affected nations, such as Ukraine, France, and Belgium in the past.

The Rugby Football League planned to pay tribute to the victims before the Grand Final match between Wigan Warriors and Catalans Dragons at Old Trafford.

Additionally, the England and Wales Cricket Board, the Premier League, and the English Football League expressed their condolences and concerns regarding the tragic events in Israel and Palestine, with plans for black armbands and moments of silence at various matches.

The UEFA president, Aleksander Ceferin, conveyed profound sorrow on behalf of the European football community in a letter to the chairman of the Israel Football Association. Furthermore, the Philadelphia Phillies baseball team illuminated their stadium in blue and white to show support for the people of Israel.

Football in Solidarity: England vs. Australia match to commemorate victims of Israel-Palestine conflict

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