News

Wembley arch will not be lit in Israeli flag for Three Lions’ clash against Australia

The Wembley Stadium arch will not be lit in the blue and white of the Israeli flag when England meet Australia on Friday night.

The Football Association has outlined its position ahead of the upcoming friendly match, saying both sides will wear black armbands and a period of silence will also be held before kick-off.

But unlike in previous events, the famous arches will not be lit up.

In a statement, the FA said it 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.”

Flags

It added that it will only allow flags and kits of competing nations inside Wembley during England’s game against Australia on Friday, and the Three Lions’ clash against Italy on 17th October.

Over the years, the Wembley arch has been illuminated in the colours of the flags of countries, including France, Turkey and Ukraine, within days of attacks.

There are clear sensitivities – with some wanting Palestinian deaths acknowledged.

The president of the FA – Prince William – has commented on the situation in a joint statement with his wife through a Kensington Palace spokesperson.

In part it read: “As Israel exercises its right to self-defence, all Israelis and Palestinians will be continued to be stalked by grief, fear and anger in the time to come.”

Steve Barclay

Health Secretary Steve Barclay had earlier joined calls for the 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’ve seen that with Parliament, we’ve seen it with Number 10,” he said. “I think it would be fitting to show that with Wembley as well.”

Related: Families of Israeli hostages say Hamas attacks are a ‘second Holocaust’

Jack Peat

Jack is a business and economics journalist and the founder of The London Economic (TLE). He has contributed articles to VICE, Huffington Post and Independent and is a published author. Jack read History at the University of Wales, Bangor and has a Masters in Journalism from the University of Newcastle-upon-Tyne.

Published by