Wembley Stadium’s iconic arch, a symbol of unity and commemoration, has been illuminated on various occasions, notably in 2021 to observe the National Day of Reflection for those lost to the Covid-19 pandemic. However, current circumstances suggest that the arch won’t be bathed in the colors of the Israeli flag, and it’s not for lack of empathy, but rather out of caution.
The Football Association (FA) is grappling with a delicate decision. With recent attacks in Israel dominating headlines, there’s been a call for sports organizations to express support for the victims. The UK government has encouraged governing bodies in sports to “appropriately” acknowledge the events in Israel. However, the government has not explicitly asked the FA to light up the Wembley arch.
Instead of using colorful beams to express solidarity, reports suggest that a message of peace and unity will be conveyed as England faces Australia in a friendly match. The FA has been in contact with Football Australia to ensure that some form of recognition for the victims will take place before the kick-off.
This approach isn’t entirely novel. Last year, the FA illuminated the arch in the blue and yellow colors of the Ukrainian flag as a show of solidarity when the country faced invasion by Russia.
The situation in Israel is dire, with a death toll of 1,200 from Hamas’ attacks and over 1,100 casualties from Israeli air strikes on Gaza. However, the FA, the Premier League, and individual clubs have maintained a conspicuous silence regarding the ongoing conflict.
A crucial FA meeting transpired on Wednesday, and a decision on how to mark the attacks is anticipated on Thursday morning. Notably, some attendees voiced concerns that lighting the arch could be divisive. Senior officials appear wary of being perceived as taking sides in the Middle East conflict.
The Department for Culture, Media, and Sport (DCMS) wrote to major sports governing bodies, urging them to demonstrate support for the victims of Hamas’ attacks. The letter referenced past instances where sports had united for such causes.
Former FA chairman David Bernstein, who is Jewish, expressed his disappointment at the FA’s apparent inaction. Others have been more vocal, with several Jewish supporters’ groups, including those from Arsenal and Chelsea, criticizing the perceived silence in the broader football community. They accuse authorities of grappling with how to address the atrocities.
In the world of football, as in society at large, social media plays a significant role. Players have used their platforms to express their views. For instance, Ukraine full-back Oleksandr Zinchenko posted ‘I stand with Israel,’ while Egypt midfielder Mohamed Elneny changed his social media profile pictures to feature the Palestinian flag. These actions have not been met with requests for removal, but the players have been made aware of potential reactions from their followers.
Arsenal, in response to these developments, is hosting an anti-Semitism workshop aimed at educating its staff on the issue. This workshop is part of a broader approach to inclusivity and diversity at the club, not merely a reaction to recent events.
As the FA navigates these challenging waters, it’s clear that the intention is to express empathy and unity in the face of a complex and sensitive global situation. The final decision on whether to light up the iconic Wembley arch remains a matter of careful consideration as it seeks to convey a message of peace and solidarity.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) about Israel-Gaza Conflict
Why is the Football Association (FA) unlikely to light the Wembley arch in the colors of the Israeli flag?
The FA is cautious due to fears of a potential backlash from some communities. They are carefully considering their response to the Israel-Gaza conflict.
What has the UK government encouraged governing bodies in sport to do regarding the attacks in Israel?
The UK government has encouraged governing bodies to “appropriately” mark the attacks in Israel with shows of support for the victims but has not specifically asked the FA to light the Wembley arch.
How will the FA express its support instead of lighting the arch?
Instead of using the arch’s colorful illumination, the FA is planning to convey a message of peace and unity before the England vs. Australia friendly match.
Have the FA, Premier League, and individual clubs commented on the Israel-Gaza conflict?
As of the latest information, none of these organizations have commented on the ongoing conflict between Israel and Hamas.
What reactions have been observed from players on social media regarding the Israel-Gaza conflict?
Some players, like Oleksandr Zinchenko and Mohamed Elneny, have made social media posts expressing their views. While no requests for removal have been made, they are aware of potential reactions from their followers.
How is Arsenal addressing the issue of anti-Semitism in relation to the conflict?
Arsenal is hosting an anti-Semitism workshop as part of its long-term approach to inclusivity and diversity, not as a direct reaction to the recent conflict. This workshop aims to educate staff on the issue.
More about Israel-Gaza Conflict
- Wembley Stadium
- The Football Association (FA)
- Israel-Gaza Conflict
- UK Government’s Stance on Israel-Gaza Conflict
- England vs. Australia Friendly Match
- Ukraine Conflict
- Premier League
- Arsenal Football Club
- Anti-Semitism Workshop
1 comment
Why FA, Premier League, and clubs mum ’bout Israel-Hamas? Silence’s weird. Social media posts tho, players takin’ stands.