FA and Premier League condemn Palestine/Israel violence but stop short of taking sides

October 13 – Both the FA and Premier League have released statements condemning the ongoing and escalating violence between Israel and Palestine, as the FA resist government encouragement to take sides in the high-profile and violent dispute.

The FA said will only permit representations of the two competing countries in the Wembley international fixtures this week, in order to avoid political interference. This follows reports that the UK government encouraged the Israel flag to be shown on Wembley’s famous arches to exhibit support for their Israeli allies.

Wembley’s arches were lit up in the yellow and blue hue of Ukraine last year to show solidarity with the country following the Russian invasion. Government officials have encouraged the FA to replicate this with Israel’s white and blue colours, but were met with a stern refusal from the footballing body who are determined to remain neutral.

The UK government has since rebuked the FA for going against their decision.

“I am extremely disappointed … and have made my views clear to the FA,” Britain’s Secretary for Culture, Media and Sport Lucy Frazer said in a post on X, formerly Twitter.

“It is especially disappointing in light of the FA’s bold stance on other terrorist attacks in the recent past. Words and actions matter. The Government is clear: we stand with Israel,” she added.

Labour Party leader Sir Keir Starmer agreed, telling LBS: “I do think they should be on the arch because I think the message has to go out that we stand with Israel, the UK stands with Israel, and that is a manifestation of that support.”

During the match tonight, players from both England and Australia will wear black armbands. No reference was made to the Three Lions’ tussle with Italy four days later.

The FA statement said: “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 [13 Oct] and Italy [17 Oct].”

Players, managers and match officials will also wear black armbands in Premier League matches next week, on the return from the international break, as a mark of respect for all those affected, as well as observe a moment’s silence.

“The Premier League is shocked and saddened by the escalating crisis in Israel and Gaza,” said the Premier League read. ”And strongly condemns the horrific and brutal acts of violence against innocent civilians.

“We hope for peace, and our heartfelt sympathies are with the victims, their families and the communities impacted.

“As a mark of respect for all those affected, Premier League players, managers and match officials will wear black armbands and observe a moment’s silence at the fixtures taking place from Saturday 21 to Monday 23 October.

“The League will also make a donation to the British Red Cross to support the aid efforts helping those in urgent need.”

Contact the writer of this story, Harry Ewing, at moc.l1734931115labto1734931115ofdlr1734931115owedi1734931115sni@g1734931115niwe.1734931115yrrah1734931115