Australia beat Saudi Arabia 3-2 in a World Cup qualifying match in Adelaide yesterday, but Australian fans are raging.
Before the game started, a minute’s silence was held for the eight victims, including two Australians, who lost their lives in the London terror attacks.
While the Australian team locked arms and stood in silence, the opposition continued to warm up and take their positions – refusing to take part in the tribute.
Reports from the ground say those on the bench didn’t stand, but some on the pitch remained still while it took place.
Football Federation Australia explained the Saudis had agreed the minute’s silence could be held, but as it wasn’t in line with their culture, they wouldn’t be taking an active part.
“The FFA sought agreement from the Asian Football Confederation and the Saudi national team to hold a minute’s silence in memory of those lost in Saturday night’s terror attacks in London and in particular the two Australian women,” the FFA said.
“Both the AFC and the Saudi team agreed that the minute of silence could be held.
“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.”
Despite claims the minute’s silence custom was against their culture, fans were quick to point out that at least one professional-level Saudi Arabian soccer team held a minute’s silence in Qatar to honour the members of the Brazilian soccer team Chapecoense after their plane crashed.
Samantha Armytage was “furious” over the team’s refusal to participate and slammed them as “bloody disgraceful”.
“How could it be against someone’s culture to respect innocent civilians who have been slaughtered?” she asked.
Labor frontbencher Anthony Albanese also blasted the “disgraceful” team.
“That was a disgraceful lack of respect not just for the two Australians killed, one of whom was a young South Australian, but also all of those victims of that terror attack in London,” he told Nine of the Thursday night controversy.
“There is no excuse here. This isn’t about culture, this is about a lack of respect. I thought it was disgraceful.”
Derryn Hinch also weighed in, describing the Saudi’s attitude as an “insult”.
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