June 9 – Saudi football officials have apologised after their national team failed to properly observe one minute’s silence for victims of the recent London terrorist attack before the start of Thursday’s World Cup qualifier against Australia.
Two Australians were among the eight people killed in the London Bridge atrocity but when the Australia team lined up in the centre circle ahead of the match in Adelaide all bar one of the Saudi players, although remaining silent, continued to warm up for the crucial encounter by jogging and passing balls between each other.
With Australia traumatised over both the horrific London Bridge assault and a further attack in Melbourne on Tuesday that claimed one victim, a clearly embarrassed Saudi football federation was quick issue a statement saying it “deeply” regretted the incident and “unreservedly” apologised for their players not “formally” observing the minute’s silence.
“The players did not intend any disrespect to the memories of the victims or to cause upset to their families, friends or any individual affected by the atrocity,” it added.
“The Saudi Arabian Football Federation condemns all acts of terrorism and extremism and extends its sincerest condolences to the families of all the victims and to the government and people of the United Kingdom.”
According to Australian reports, their opponents knew about the plan but did not comply. Australia’s FA was quoted as saying it had “sought agreement” from both the Saudis and the Asian Football Confederation (AFC), to hold the minute’s silence. “Both the AFC and the Saudi team agreed that the minute of silence could be held,” an FFA spokesman said. The AFC meanwhile said any disciplinary action against the Saudis would have to come from FIFA, who have jurisdiction over all World Cup qualifiers.
On the field Australia won 3-2 to move level on 16 points in Asian Group B with the second-placed Saudis and leaders Japan, who have a game in hand, with two rounds to play. The top two teams win a place at the World Cup finals in Russia next year.
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