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Saudi Arabia apologise for not observing minute's silence for terror victims

Saudi Arabia football chiefs have apologised on behalf of the national football team, who did not...



Saudi Arabia apologise for not...
Soccer

Saudi Arabia apologise for not observing minute's silence for terror victims

Saudi Arabia football chiefs have apologised on behalf of the national football team, who did not take part in a minute's silence for victims of the London attacks, before a World Cup qualifier against Australia.

The tribute was organised to take place in the Adelaide Oval, in honour of two Australians who lost their lives in the attacks last weekend.

The Australia team were seen linking arms after the stadium announcer called for the minute's silence to begin. Meanwhile, the Saudi team appeared to take up their positions for the game, while others continued their warm-ups.

Boos were heard in the stadium following the apparent snub, but football officials say that such gestures are 'not in keeping with Saudi culture.'

Australian football officials revealed that the Saudi team agreed to the proposal of a minute's silence prior to the game, but said that the players would move to the side to allow for others to observe the gesture.

The Saudi Arabian Football Federation have since published a statement, to apologise for any offence caused:

"The Saudi Arabian Football Federation deeply regrets and unreservedly apologises for any offence caused by the failure of some members of the representative team of the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia to formally observe the one minute's silence in memory of the victims of the London terrorist attack on 3 June 2017, prior to the World Cup Qualifying match against Australia in Adelaide.

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.

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."

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