There were no boos in the middle of the period of silence in honour of the victims of the violence in Israel and Gaza ahead of England’s friendly match against Australia on Friday night.
The sell-out crowd at Wembley observed the 20 seconds’ silence immaculately, despite concerns from some that it could be disrupted by booing from individuals who took offence to the FA’s decision not to light up the Wembley arch in the colours of the Israel flag.
The stadium announcer introduced the period of silence by saying: “Tonight we remember the innocent victims of the devastating events in Israel and Palestine. Our thoughts are with them, and their families and friends in England and Australia and with all the communities who are affected by this ongoing conflict.
“Tonight we stand for humanity and an end to the death, violence, fear and suffering.”
The FA released a neutral statement on Thursday, paying respects to the victims of the atrocities in Israel and Palestine.
The statement also alerted supporters that no flags or shirts in support of either Israel or Palestine would be allowed into the stadium for the match — however, some fans were seen with Israel flags draped around their necks outside the stadium before kick-off.
The decision not to light up the arch in Israeli colours attracted a wave of criticism.
Culture Secretary Lucy Frazer criticised the FA’s stance in a social media post, saying it was “especially disappointing” in light of their stance on other atrocities in the recent past.
The arch was lit up in the Turkish, French and Belgian flags after terror attacks and in the Ukraine flag last year.
The chair of the FA’s Faith in Football group, Rabbi Alex Goldberg, resigned on Friday over the refusal to light up the Wembley arch.
The FA is said to have decided against the move over fears that it could be seen as divisive, the Telegraph reported.
