Premier League confirm tribute to Israel-Gaza victims at all games next weekend
The Premier League has announced that players will wear black armbands and observe a minute's silence in tribute to the victims of the Israel-Hamas War.
A conflict between Israel and Hamas, the terrorist group governing the Gaza Strip of the Palestinian territories, started last Saturday after Hamas launched a surprise attack. More than 2,500 people in Israel and Palestine have died since the conflict began.
The UK government has asked sporting bodies to "appropriately" reference the Israel-Hamas War. As revealed by Mirror Sport on Wednesday evening, Muslim and Arab players across football, cricket and rugby have held a meeting over the conflict.
Some Premier League players have broken their silence on the matter, with Mohamed Elneny showing his support for Palestine and Oleksandr Zinchenko announcing: "I stand with Israel". The Premier League has now issued a statement as expected.
It read: "The Premier League is shocked and saddened by the escalating crisis in Israel and Gaza, and strongly condemns the horrific and brutal acts of violence against innocent civilians. We hope for peace, and our heartfelt sympathies are with the victims, their families and the communities impacted.
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"As a mark of respect for all those affected, Premier League players, managers and match officials will wear black armbands and observe a moment’s silence at the fixtures taking place from Saturday 21 to Monday 23 October. The League will also make a donation to the British Red Cross to support the aid efforts helping those in urgent need."
The Wembley arch will not be lit in the colours of Israel's flag (Getty Images)The Premier League's move comes after the Football Association decided not to light Wembley's arch in the colours of the Israel flag during tomorrow night’s friendly between England and Australia. Like the Premier League, the FA confirmed their move on Thursday.
The FA's statement read: "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.
"England and Australia players will wear black armbands during their match at Wembley Stadium and there will also be a period of silence held before kick off.
"Following discussions with partners and external stakeholders, we will only permit flags, replica kits and other representations of nationality for the competing nations inside Wembley Stadium for the upcoming matches against Australia [13 Oct] and Italy [17 Oct]."
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