Saudi football team slammed for refusing minute’s silence for London victims

When the stadium announcer called for a minute’s silence to honour the victims of last weekend’s London attack, the 11 Australian players on the field lined up at the centre circle with arms on their teammates’ shoulders.

Their opponents from Saudi Arabia, however, milled about separately on the other side, seemingly ignoring the gesture.

Football Federation Australia said after the match that the Saudis knew about the plan to hold a minute’s silence before Thursday’s World Cup qualifying match but declined to participate.

“Both the (Asian Football Confederation) and the Saudi team agreed that the minute of silence could be held,” the Australian federation said, according to the The Sydney Morning Herald.

“The FFA was further advised by Saudi team officials that this tradition was not in keeping with Saudi culture and they would move to their side of the field and respect our custom whilst taking their own positions on the field.”

Typically, FIFA representatives meet with officials from both teams and the referee a day before a World Cup qualifier to discuss all game protocol issues, including plans for a minute’s silence.

Two Australians were among the eight people killed in Saturday’s attack.

Saudi Arabia’s football governing body on Friday apologised for their players ignoring a minute’s silence.

“The Saudi Arabian Football Federation (SAFF) deeply regrets and unreservedly apologises for any offence caused … the players did not intend any disrespect,” a statement on the SAFF website read.

Source: Saudi football team slammed for refusing minute’s silence for London victims | SBS News