A “Period of Silence” to be Held at Wembley in Tribute to Israel-Gaza War Victims
In a show of support and solidarity, a “period of silence” will be observed at Wembley Stadium ahead of the England vs. Australia match on Friday to honor the victims of the Israel-Gaza war. The Football Association (FA) confirmed this tribute plan, which includes players from both teams wearing black armbands.
The decision to hold a tribute at Wembley comes after FA chairwoman Debbie Hewitt expressed the organization’s intention to honor the innocent victims of the conflict. There were calls for the stadium’s arch to be lit up in the colors of the Israeli flag, but the FA clarified that only representations of the two countries playing in the match would be allowed inside the stadium.
In an official statement, the FA said, “On Friday evening, we will 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. We stand for humanity and an end to the death, violence, fear, and suffering.”
Additionally, the FA announced that it would promote an emergency appeal by the British Red Cross within the stadium during the match.
England manager Gareth Southgate expressed his sympathy for those affected by the conflict during a press conference. He acknowledged the complexity of the situation and recognized the difficulty faced by the FA in making their decision. Rabbi Alex Goldberg subsequently resigned from his role on the FA’s faith group in response to its statement.
The UK government’s Department for Culture, Media, and Sport also encouraged sports bodies to pay respects to the victims at forthcoming events. The Premier League confirmed its tribute plans, stating that players, managers, and match officials would wear black armbands and observe a moment of silence during its round of fixtures following the international break. The league expressed shock and sadness over the escalating crisis in Israel and Gaza and condemned the acts of violence against innocent civilians.
As a mark of respect, the Premier League will make a donation to the British Red Cross to support aid efforts for those in urgent need.
While the Premier League has taken a stance, UEFA and FIFA have yet to issue statements about the situation. However, UEFA president Aleksander Ceferin wrote a letter expressing “profound sorrow” about the “senseless acts of violence” to the president of the Israel FA.
UEFA confirmed that Israel’s European qualifier against Kosovo, as well as its fixture against Switzerland, had been postponed.
The tribute at Wembley and the Premier League’s gesture highlight the significance of sports in bringing people together and promoting unity during times of conflict. These acts of remembrance serve as a reminder of the importance of empathy and compassion in the face of adversity.
As fans and spectators, we can also play a part by supporting these initiatives and standing in solidarity with those affected by the Israel-Gaza war. Through our collective efforts, we can contribute to a world where peace and understanding prevail over violence and suffering.
(Photo: Getty Images)