A moment of silence was held at a World Cup qualifying game Thursday in Adelaide, Australia, for the victims of the London terror attack — particularly for two Australians who lost their lives in the attack. The opposing Saudi Arabian team continued to warm up while Australia’s team stood arm-in-arm, according to Australian news outlet News.com.
Although the minute of silence was approved before the game, Saudi team officials said that their players would not observe it because it was not a part of Saudi culture. “The FFA [Football Federation Australia] 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 bombings in London and in particular the two Australian women,” an FFA spokesperson 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.”
News.com reported that most of the Saudi Arabian players are Muslim, and it is custom in Islam to pray for the dead or give charity on the deceased’s behalf instead of take moments silence.
The Independent points out that the team has observed moments of silence in the past: The Al-Ahli Saudi FC team did so in 2016 ahead of their match with Barcelona in the Qatar Airways Cup.
Australia won the match 3-2. Australia will play Japan in the next round.