Saudis apologise over minute’s silence

SYDNEY: The Saudi Arabian Football Federation have apologised after their national team did not properly observe a minute’s silence for the victims of the recent London attacks before the start of their World Cup qualifier in Australia on Thursday.

The Saudi players, although silent, continued to jog and stretch as the Australia team lined up in the centre circle ahead of the match at Adelaide Oval.

Eight people were killed and 50 injured after three Islamist militants drove into pedestrians on London Bridge last Saturday, then attacked revellers nearby with knives. Two of the dead were Australian.

The governing body of Saudi football later issued a statement saying it “deeply” regretted 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.”

Football Federation Australia (FFA) said it had “sought agreement” from the Saudis and regional governing body, the Asian Football Confederation, to hold the minute’s silence.

“Both the AFC and the Saudi team agreed that the minute of silence could be held,” a spokesman said.

“The FFA was further advised by Saudi team officials that this tradition was not in keeping with Saudi culture and they would move to their side of the field and respect our custom whilst taking their own positions on the field.” Reuters