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Players will wear black armbands at Premier League games across this weekend and observe a minute’s silence prior to kickoff. The tributes will be made as mark of respect to victims of the recent violence in Israel and Gaza.
A Premier League statement issued on October 12: “The Premier League is shocked and saddened by the escalating crisis in Israel and Gaza, and strongly condemns the horrific and brutal acts of violence against innocent civilians.
“We hope for peace, and our heartfelt sympathies are with the victims, their families and the communities impacted.
“As a mark of respect for all those affected, Premier League players, managers and match officials will wear black armbands and observe a moment’s silence at the fixtures taking place from Saturday 21 to Monday 23 October. The league will also make a donation to the British Red Cross to support the aid efforts helping those in urgent need.”
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Israel-Hamas war
On October 7, the Palestinian militant group Hamas launched an unprecedented wave of attacks on communities near the Gaza Strip.
Militants fired thousands of rockets towards Israeli towns before breaking through the border fence. According to the Israeli authorities, 1,400 people including civilians and soldiers were killed by Hamas gunmen, with 199 hostages taken.
This included an attack on the Supernova music and arts festvial that was attended by 4,000 people 6km east of Gaza.
In response, Israel launched “Operation Swords of Iron”, bombarded the densely populated territory of Gaza and blocked supply lines of basic necessities such as fuel and water.
The World Health Organisation say Israel’s assault has killed at least 2,800 people and injured 11,000, as of October 17. Between October 7 and 12, Israel dropped 6,000 bombs on Gaza.
On October 13, Israel’s military told 1.1 million people in northern Gaza to evacuate their homes ahead of a potential ground invasion. The United Nations human rights office has said this order combined with the siege of Gaza might amount to “a forcible transfer of civilians in breach of international law”.
Football’s response to the Israel-Hamas war
The Premier League statement came five days after this latest wave of Middle East violence began.
This delay, along with the decision to omit any overt support for Israel, has drawn criticism. In an open letter to Premier League chief executive Richard Masters, the chairman of the Israeli Professional Football Leagues Erez Halfon said:
“Many countries have expressed their unequivocal support of the State of Israel. The greatest monuments in the world were lit up in blue and white or with the Israeli flag. In a joint statement by President Macron of France, Chancellor Scholz of Germany, Prime Minister Meloni of Italy, Prime Minister Sunak of the United Kingdom, and President Biden of the United States, they ‘expressed their steadfast and united support to the State of Israel, and their unequivocal condemnation of Hamas and its appalling acts of terrorism’.
“Richard – the words ‘unequivocal condemnation’, ‘appalling acts of terrorism’, ‘massacre’, ‘slaughter’, and ‘bloodshed’ have all been written in those statements. Please think about the level at which something needs to be undeniably true for a diplomatic statement of this magnitude to be issued.
“Considering this undeniable truth, we are amazed, shocked and disappointed beyond words at The Premier League’s lack of ability to condemn these acts. This is not about a conflict between two people. This is about leadership and the world where we want to live and raise our children. Premier League must prevent radical Islamist ideology from expanding and contaminating our free, creative, diverse community and world with such despicable crimes.
“Clubs, Fans, Coaches and players worldwide expect you, as a leader, to condemn these crimes publicly and unequivocally against humanity. Your initial message was ambiguous, and we cannot allow any misinterpretation.”
The FA issued a statement with similar sentiments ahead of England’s friendly against Australia on October 13, when there was a minute’s silence ahead of kickoff and both teams wore black armbands. However, the Wembley arch was not lit up in the colours of the Israel flag and no flags were allowed into the stadium other than those of the competing teams.
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The Athletic reported that Premier League clubs will receive renewed guidance on what flags, banners and other potentially politically sensitive material will be permitted in grounds when matches resume.
According to The Mirror, around 30 Muslim and Arab athletes from across football, cricket and rugby in the UK held a summit meeting over the Israel-Hamas war. Some footballers made it clear that they would walk off the pitch if respect is not shown for Palestinian lives lost prior to the upcoming fixtures.
Arsenal full-back Oleksandr Zincheko, an outspoken critic of Russia’s invasion of his native Ukraine, restricted his Instagram account after he was criticised for posting that he “stands with Israel”.
Gunners teammate Mohamed Elneny changed his Instagram profile picture to an image containing the Palestinian flag, having previously posted a message of support for Palestine in 2021.
“As with any employees of Arsenal, our players are entitled to express their views on their own platforms,” a club spokesperson told Sky Sports News. “That said we have spoken to Mo about this so he understands the wider implications of his post.”
The Arsenal dressing room will be far from unique in this regard. The Premier League’s response, while drawing criticism from multiple sources, is perhaps best seen as a reflection of the fact that players across the league are likely to have strong opinions on either side of a decades-long conflict.
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