- Thousands of people have died during the ongoing conflict in Israel and Palestine
- The Premier League will pay its respects to the tragic events this weekend
- Listen to the latest episode of the Mail Sport podcast “It’s all coming!”
The Premier League will this weekend pay its respects to the thousands of lives lost in the ongoing conflict in Israel and Palestine.
A full slate of top-flight fixtures is scheduled for the coming days, with the eight games starting on Saturday with the Merseyside derby between Liverpool and Everton at Anfield.
All players, managers and match officials will wear black armbands and observe a period of silence prior to kick-off.
However, the top flight also announced that supporters would be banned from carrying or displaying Israeli and Palestinian flags in stadiums.
With the conflict beginning and escalating in recent weeks, this weekend’s matches are the first chance the Premier League has had to pay respects after the international break.
The Premier League will this weekend pay its respects to the thousands of lives lost in the ongoing conflict in Israel and Palestine.
All players, managers and match officials wear black armbands during their matches
In a statement announcing their plans last week, the top flight said: ‘The Premier League is shocked and saddened by the escalating crisis in Israel and Gaza, and strongly condemns the heinous and brutal acts of violence against innocent civilians.
“We hope for peace and our sincere condolences go out to the victims, their families and the affected communities.
‘As a mark of respect for all involved, Premier League players, managers and match officials will wear black armbands and observe a moment’s silence during the matches taking place from Saturday 21 to Monday 23 October.
‘The league will also make a donation to the British Red Cross to support its relief efforts for those in urgent need.’
The EFL – which administers the Championship, League One and League Two – followed the Premier League’s decision.
The Premier League guidelines came after consultation with safety officials and clubs and follow the FA banning flags and replica kits that did not belong to the competing teams – England and Australia – during the recent international break.
The Premier League also banned all Israeli or Palestinian flags from matches this weekend
The FA was criticized after choosing not to light the Wembley arch in Israel’s colours
They also chose not to light the Wembley arch in Israel’s colors, which drew criticism from many after the terrorist attacks in France and Belgium and the Russian invasion of Ukraine.
An Israeli flag was later seen in the crowd at the home of English football during England’s friendly against Australia, despite the police ban, with stewards approaching the supporter to take it away.
The England and Italy players observed a period of silence during the second match of the Three Lions international break, but there were boos from some parts of Wembley during the commemoration.
Protests have been held in parts of the country in support of Israel and Palestine, and there has been action to ban flags to prevent conflict during matches.