The iconic Wembley arch, historically lit up for various occasions, notably shone in 2021 to honor the National Day of Reflection, commemorating lives lost in the Covid pandemic.
However, a shift in policy by the Football Association board now limits the lighting of Wembley’s arch exclusively to football and entertainment events.
This change emerges amidst controversy sparked when the arch did not display the colors of the Israel flag, in response to Hamas’ attacks on Israel in October. Israel’s countermeasures included air strikes in Gaza and restrictions on essential supplies to the area.
Amidst this, Wembley observed a moment of silence for all “innocent victims” of this conflict, just before England’s friendly match against Australia on October 13th.
The arch’s absence of Israeli colors led to disappointment from the UK government, resulting in Rabbi Alex Goldberg’s resignation from an FA faith in football group. This decision faced scrutiny, with the FA wary of appearing politically biased, despite acting on professional advice.
Acknowledging the Jewish community’s distress over this incident, the FA admitted the decision was among their most challenging. Reported first by the Telegraph, the FA now intends to limit the arch’s illumination strictly to football and entertainment, distancing from any political symbolism.
While still advocating for diversity and equality, the FA will no longer use the arch’s lighting for these purposes. Instead, it will glow for events like matches or concerts. This marks a departure from previous practices where it commemorated days like Remembrance Day, International Women’s Day, or tragedies like the Ukraine war and the 2015 Paris attacks.
Facing little alternative, the FA has opted for this new approach. FA chief executive Mark Bullingham reflected on the recent controversy, acknowledging it as a catalyst for reevaluating their policy on lighting the arch.
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Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) about Wembley Arch Policy
What is the new policy regarding the lighting of Wembley’s arch?
The new policy states that Wembley’s arch will only be lit for football and entertainment events. This decision comes after controversy regarding the arch not being lit in Israeli flag colors following attacks by Hamas.
Why was there controversy over the Wembley arch not displaying the Israeli flag colors?
The controversy arose when, following attacks on Israel by Hamas in October, the Wembley arch was not lit in the colors of the Israeli flag. This led to criticism from the UK government and the resignation of Rabbi Alex Goldberg from an FA faith in football group.
What events led to the change in Wembley’s arch lighting policy?
The change in policy followed the criticism received when the arch was not lit in Israeli flag colors after Hamas’ attacks on Israel. Subsequent Israeli air strikes on Gaza and the international response to these events also played a role.
Will the Wembley arch still support diversity and equality causes?
Yes, the Football Association will continue to support diversity and equality causes, but the arch will not be illuminated for these purposes under the new policy. The focus will be on lighting the arch for football and entertainment events only.
Has the Wembley arch been used in the past to commemorate other events?
Yes, in the past, the Wembley arch has been lit up to commemorate various events, including Remembrance Day, International Women’s Day, and to pay tribute to victims of global tragedies like the war in Ukraine and the Paris terror attacks in 2015.
More about Wembley Arch Policy
- Wembley Stadium
- Football Association
- Hamas attacks on Israel
- UK government’s response
- Rabbi Alex Goldberg’s resignation
- Mark Bullingham’s statement
- Wembley Arch Lighting History
- Sport News Center app
3 comments
interesting read, gotta stay updated on Wembley’s arch policy changes.
politics and sports don’t mix, good move by FA, but they should still support diversity.
this arch used to shine for all kinds of things, now it’s just footie and concerts, meh.