UK Government urges sports bodies to pay respect victims in Israel

10/11/2023 Soccer

UK Government urges sports bodies to pay respect to the victims of the recent violence in Israel with Labour leader Sir Keir Starmer calling for Wembley’s arch to be lit up when England face Australia on Friday

  • Sir Keir Starmer thinks UK sports should send a message of solidarity with Israel 
  • England will take on Australia on Friday in a friendly match hosted at Wembley 
  • Listen to the latest episode of Mail Sport’s podcast ‘It’s All Kicking Off!’ 

The Government is encouraging sports bodies in the UK to pay their respects to the victims of the recent violence in Israel.

The PA news agency understands the Department for Culture, Media and Sport has written to various governing bodies suggesting they pay tribute in an appropriate manner at forthcoming events.

It has not yet been determined what form the tributes will take, although it is reported that the government has not called for the Wembley arch to be lit up.

The letter read: ‘In the light of the attacks in Israel on behalf of the secretary of state we would encourage you to mark the events in line with previous events where sport has come together.’

Sir Keir Starmer, the Labour leader, has suggested the Wembley arch should be lit with the colours of the Israel flag during England’s friendly against Australia on Friday.

The Government is urging UK sports bodies to pay their respects to the victims of recent violence in Israel

Labour leader Sir Keir Starmer has called for the arches of Wembley Stadium to be illuminated with the Israeli flag colours

Over 1,200 people were killed over the weekend as Hamas terrorists rampaged through towns in southern Israel

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He told LBC radio: ‘I do think they should be on the arch because I think the message has to go out that we stand with Israel, the UK stands with Israel, and that is a manifestation of that support.’

The Football Association has said it is considering the issue, and is reportedly set to announce their plans on Thursday ahead of Friday’s game. 

Chairwoman Debbie Hewitt said in The Times: ‘As we get closer to the game on Friday we will give some thought as to how best to recognise our concern for all innocent victims in any situation like we have seen at the weekend.’

Over 1,200 people were killed over the weekend as Hamas terrorists rampaged through towns in southern Israel in the deadliest terrorist attack in the country’s history.

Sustained airstrikes from Israel on Gaza, meanwhile, have left around 900 people dead in the enclave.

The Israeli flag was projected on a number of public buildings in London, including 10 Downing Street and City Hall, as a show of support on Sunday and was flown alongside the Union Flag at the Home Office on Monday.

Lord John Mann, the government’s advisor on anti-Semitism also spoke of of the positive message that illuminating the iconic arch would send to British Jews. 

‘That would be empowering, as it would be seen right across London and by many people in the Jewish community,’ he told the Telegraph.  

The Israeli flag was projected on 10 Downing Street on Sunday evening in London

It was also projected on the House of Commons in Westminster and several other buildings

Sustained airstrikes on Gaza from Israel have left around 900 people in the enclave dead 

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