FA faces backlash for controversial decision on Wembley Stadium arch lighting, igniting global debate
FA criticized for refusing to light up Wembley Stadium arch in Israel's colors England and Australia will honor the occasion with black armbands and a moment of silence The Board of Deputies of British Jews has expressed disappointment with the FA's perceived lack of action Southgate shares thoughts on FA's stance in Israel-Palestine conflict
The Football Association has faced criticism for its insufficient reaction to the Hamas attack in Israel. They have been called "spineless" and accused of offering a "weak response" for their decision not to light up the Wembley Stadium arch in blue and white, representing the Israeli flag. In solidarity, both the England and Australia players will don black armbands during their upcoming friendly match on Friday night. Additionally, a moment of silence will be observed before kick-off.
The FA expressed its condolences for the tragic events in Israel and Palestine, stating that it will remember the innocent victims. They extended their thoughts to the affected communities, as well as the families and friends in England and Australia.
"We stand for humanity and an end to the death, violence, fear and suffering."
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The Board of Deputies of British Jews, the UK's largest and second oldest Jewish communal organization, has raised concerns regarding the decision. They referred to the Bataclan massacre in November 2015, in which 90 people were killed at a nightclub during the Paris attacks.
The French national anthem, La Marseillaise, was played at all Premier League stadiums the next weekend in response. The Jewish organization criticized the FA's response, stating that while hundreds of innocent Israelis were killed, raped, and kidnapped in a meticulously planned terrorist attack, surpassing even the events of 9/11, the FA's only action is to remember the victims of the Israel-Palestine conflicts, refusing to illuminate the Wembley arches in blue and white.
"This weak response brings no credit to the FA."
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The Chelsea Jewish Supporters' Group criticized the response as "spineless" in a post on X, previously referred to as Twitter.
Expressing her disappointment, Culture Secretary Lucy Frazer stated that she was "extremely disappointed" by the decision and emphasized that she had already communicated her views to the FA.
"It is extremely disheartening, considering the FA's strong position against recent terrorist attacks," she expressed on X.
"The power of words and actions should never be underestimated. The government's stance is resolute: we offer our unwavering support to Israel."
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Flags and kits of competing nations will be the only items allowed inside Wembley during England's games against Australia on Friday and Italy on Tuesday, as stated by the FA.
In the stadium, it will also raise awareness for a Red Cross emergency appeal, aimed at providing assistance to individuals impacted by the ongoing humanitarian crisis in the region.
Over time, the Wembley arch has been lit up in the flag colors of various nations, such as France, Turkey, and Ukraine, shortly after incidents of attacks.
There are clear sensitivities - with some wanting Palestinian deaths acknowledged.
Image:
The Wembley arch was lit up in the colours of the French flag in 2015 following terrorist attacks in Paris
The president of the FA, Prince William, commented on the situation alongside his wife in a joint statement issued by a spokesperson from Kensington Palace.
"In light of Israel's right to self-defense, both Israelis and Palestinians will continue to experience feelings of grief, fear, and anger in the foreseeable future," the statement read.
Health Secretary Steve Barclay expressed his support for Israel by advocating for the lighting up of the Wembley arch in blue and white. He emphasized that both the parliament and Number 10 have already demonstrated their solidarity with Israel, making it appropriate for Wembley to do the same.
When asked about his sympathies towards the people of Gaza, he expressed that the UK does feel sympathetic and provides approximately 10% of the aid delivered in the region through the United Nations. Additionally, he mentioned that the foreign secretary recently held discussions with Israeli counterparts, emphasizing the significance of reducing harm to civilians.
According to the Israeli Defence Forces (IDF), over 1,300 Israelis have lost their lives and more than 2,700 have been injured as a result of Hamas's unexpected assault on Saturday. On the other hand, the Gaza Health Ministry reports a death toll of at least 1,354 Palestinians and 6,049 injured due to Israeli strikes.
Southgate on FA stance to Israel-Palestine conflict
England boss Gareth Southgate has expressed his support for the FA's stance, affirming during his press conference ahead of the Three Lions' clash with Australia on Friday: "My first thoughts go out to those who have been profoundly affected by these distressing images. The loss of loved ones and friends in these attacks is truly heart-wrenching."The visuals are deeply unsettling. On a larger scale, this crisis represents one of the most intricate challenges the world has ever faced, and everyone is grappling with how to handle it in the most effective way."
"I lack understanding on how to empathize with both parties involved in the conflict. The FA has made efforts to address the matter, but I have not been part of those discussions. They have resolved to adopt their current position, and I am content to support their decision."
During the weekend of October 21-23, Premier League players, managers, and match officials will don black armbands and observe a moment of silence. Similarly, clubs participating in EFL fixtures this weekend will also show this gesture.
Tottenham tweeted their shock and sadness regarding the ongoing crisis in Israel and Gaza. The club strongly condemns the violent and brutal acts targeting innocent civilians. They express their heartfelt sympathies to the victims, their families, and the affected communities. In solidarity with other clubs, Tottenham will wear black armbands and observe a minute's silence during their next Premier League fixture against Fulham as a respectful gesture. The club continues to hope and advocate for peace.
