Football Association branded ‘spineless’ and condemned for ‘weak response’ to Hamas attack in Israel after announcing Wembley Stadium arch would not be lit up in blue and white to represent the flag Israeli.
England and Australia players will wear black armbands during their friendly match on Friday evening, with a minute’s silence also observed before kick-off.
In a statement, the FA said it would “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 all communities affected by this ongoing conflict.
“We stand for humanity and an end to death, violence, fear and suffering.”
However, the decision was questioned by the Board of Deputies of British Jews, the UK’s largest and second oldest Jewish community organisation.
In a statement, the organization, also known as the Council of Deputies, referred to the Bataclan massacre, when 90 people were murdered at a nightclub during the Paris attacks in November 2015.
In response, the French national anthem, La Marseillaise, was played in all Premier League stadiums the following weekend.
The Jewish organization said Thursday: “When hundreds of innocent Israelis were murdered, raped and kidnapped in a coordinated terrorist campaign unmatched since 9/11, the FA’s response is to ‘remember the victims of the conflicts in Israel and Palestine” and Wembley arches will not be lit in blue and white.
“This weak response does not bring any credit to the FA.”
The Chelsea Jewish Supporters’ Group called the response “soft” in a message posted on X, formerly known as Twitter.
Culture Secretary Lucy Frazer said she was “extremely disappointed” by the decision and added that she had “made her views clear to the FA”.
“This is particularly disappointing in light of the FA’s bold stance in the face of other terrorist attacks in the recent past,” she wrote on X.
“Words and deeds matter. The government is clear: we stand with Israel.”
The FA said it would only allow flags and kits of competing nations inside Wembley during England’s match against Australia on Friday and the Three Lions’ European qualifier against Italy on Tuesday.
He will also launch a Red Cross emergency appeal at the stadium to support people affected by the humanitarian crisis in the region.
Over the years, Wembley Arch has been lit up in the colors of the flags of countries, including France, Turkey and Ukraine, days after the attacks.
There are obvious sensitivities – some wanting recognition of the Palestinian deaths.
FA President – Prince William – commented on the situation in a joint statement with his wife through a Kensington Palace spokesperson.
“As Israel exercises its right to self-defense, all Israelis and Palestinians will continue to be gripped by grief, fear and anger in times to come,” he said.
Health Secretary Steve Barclay had joined calls for Wembley Arch to be lit up in blue and white on Friday, telling Sky News “we should make clear our strong support for Israel”.
“We stand with Israel, and I think we saw it with Parliament, we saw it with Number 10,” he said. “I think it would be appropriate to show it with Wembley as well.”
When asked what sympathy he had for the people of Gaza, he replied that the UK “had sympathy” and contributed “about 10%” of aid distributed to the region through the United Nations.
“This is why the Foreign Minister was in Israel yesterday to discuss with his counterparts the importance of minimizing civilian casualties,” he added.
The latest figures from the Israel Defense Forces (IDF) show that at least 1,300 Israelis have died and more than 2,700 have been injured since the surprise Hamas attack on Saturday.
The Gaza Health Ministry, meanwhile, reports that at least 1,354 Palestinians died and 6,049 injured in Israeli strikes.
Southgate on the FA’s stance on the Israeli-Palestinian conflict
England manager Gareth Southgate backed the FA’s stance, telling his press conference ahead of the Three Lions’ clash with Australia on Friday: “First of all, these are incredibly heartbreaking images. My thoughts and feelings go to all those who suffered, lost relatives and friends in these attacks.
“It’s incredibly disturbing to see. On a larger scale, in my lifetime, this is one of the most complex situations in the world and everyone is wondering how best to deal with it.
“I don’t know how to put myself in the shoes of those on both sides of this conflict. The FA have tried to deal with this issue, I haven’t been involved in those discussions. They have decided to take the position that They adopted it, and I’m happy to accept it.”
Premier League players, managers and match officials will wear black armbands and observe a minute’s silence during matches taking place over the weekend of October 21-23, as will clubs participating in EFL matches this weekend -end.
Tottenham also tweeted: “The club and our football family are shocked and saddened by the escalating crisis in Israel and Gaza, and strongly condemn the horrific and brutal acts of violence against innocent civilians.
“Our deepest condolences go out to the victims, their families and the affected communities. We will join our fellow clubs in wearing black armbands and observing a minute’s silence at our upcoming Premier League match against Fulham as a mark of respect. We hope and defend peace.”