The Football Association has resisted calls to light the Wembley arch in the colours of the Israeli flag but will hold a period of silence for all victims of the conflict before England face Australia in a friendly on Friday.
The Israeli flag has been beamed on to No 10 Downing Street and London’s City Hall since the attack by Hamas in Israel last weekend. Sir Keir Starmer, the Labour leader, has called for the FA to show solidarity with victims of the attack by lighting the arch. The stadium has been used in that way to mark previous tragedies in other countries.
But the FA is said to be nervous about being seen to take sides in the conflict between Israel and Palestine and does not want to risk a backlash by lighting the arch. England and Australia players will instead wear black armbands and there will be a period of silence. The FA will also prevent Israeli and Palestinian flags and kits being brought into Wembley on Friday and on Tuesday, when England are due to face Italy in a Euro 2024 qualifier.
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The FA 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 and Italy.
“The British Red Cross have also launched an emergency appeal to support the people affected by the humanitarian crisis in the region, and we will promote this appeal within the stadium on Friday.”
Jewish football fans have criticised the game’s authorities for failing to speak out in support of Israel and the UK’s Jewish community. The Premier League and its clubs have remained silent since the attacks. Clubs are wary of being seen to have taken sides in the dispute.