14 October 2023 , 06:25
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A man was pictured holding up an Israeli flag during England's 1-0 win against Australia - despite the police banning him from doing so.
Israel are embroiled in a bloody war with Hamas, the terrorist group governing the Gaza Strip of the Palestinian territories. The conflict started a week ago when Hamas launched a surprise attack on Israel, who have responded with retaliatory air strikes.
More than 1,300 people in Israel were killed by Hamas' attack, while nearly 2,000 people in Gaza have lost their lives. The Football Association paid tribute to the victims of the Israel-Hamas War by holding a minute's silence before England's friendly with Australia.
Both sets of players also wore armbands during Friday's game, but the FA refused to light up Wembley's arch in the colours of the Israeli flag. One fan took matters into his own hands by holding up an Israeli flag and risking a run-in with the police.
As reported by the Daily Mail, police had planned to stop anyone expressing support for Hamas or Israel during Friday's game. Stewards had also pledged to confiscate any flags, shirts or scarves that didn't represent England or Australia.
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Yet the clampdown failed to stop one fan from making his feelings known. It's unclear whether the protest was quashed, with images showing two stewards approaching the individual. The FA has come under criticism for its response to the ongoing conflict.
The chair of the FA's Faith in Football Group Rabbi Alex Goldberg resigned from his position just hours before Friday's game. He told English football's governing body that he was "profoundly disappointed in the FA's decision not to have a specific tribute".
There was a tribute to the victims of the Israel-Hamas War before Friday's game (PA)The FA confirmed their decision not to light up Wembley's arch on Thursday. "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 and Italy (October 17)."
England defeated Australia 1-0, with Ollie Watkins scoring the only goal of the game. Gareth Southgate deployed an experimental XI at Wembley, handing starts to the likes of Jarrod Bowen, Conor Gallagher, Fikayo Tomori and Sam Johnstone.