The FA has been branded a national disgrace for refusing to light up Wembley’s Arc de Triomphe in honor of the victims of the terror attacks in Israel.
The row erupted when a tearful father told how his eight-year-old daughter was killed by Hamas enemies after she was abducted from her sleep.
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The FA has been branded a national disgrace for refusing to light the Wembley Arch in honor of the victims of the terror attacks in Israel Credit: PA:Empics Sport
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The row erupted when a tearful father told how his eight-year-old daughter Emily, above, was killed by Hamas enemies after she was abducted from her sleep
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Thomas Hand said he knew the ‘best possibility’ was that his daughter Emily had been killedCredit: CNN
Emily Hand’s dad, Thomas, said it was a “blessing” she died and was not taken hostage.
Politicians and fans want the FA to light up the blue and white bow for tonight’s friendly with Australia.
Culture, media and sport secretary Lucy Frazer said: “I am extremely disappointed with the FA’s decision and I have made my views clear. Words and actions matter. The government is clear: we stand with Israel.”
FA chiefs even banned Israeli shirts and flags from the match.
READ MORE ABOUT THE TERRORIST ATTACK
Former justice minister Lord Wolfson added: “This decision is wrong. The FA lit up the Wembley Arc de Triomphe for those killed by terrorists while dancing in a Paris nightclub in 2015.
“But not for those who were killed, raped and taken hostage while dancing at a music festival in Israel.
“Maybe this ‘devastating event’ wasn’t devastating enough?”
The players will wear black armbands and there will be a period of silence before tonight’s friendly against Australia at the national stadium.
But many wanted England’s football chiefs to go further – accusing them of cowardice for not honoring those killed by Hamas terrorists by lighting up the 436ft steel arch in Israel’s blue and white.
The landmark previously displayed the colors of France, Turkey and Ukraine after the atrocities in those countries.
It also lit up Brazil’s colors after the death of the legendary Pelé — and last year it was lit up in rainbow colors as a sign of support for the LGBTQ+ community while the World Cup was held in anti-gay Qatar.
Health Minister Steve Barclay was among the voices calling for the arch to shine blue and white tonight. He said: “We should make clear our strong support for Israel. We stand with Israel.
“We saw it with Parliament, we saw it with number 10, I think it would be appropriate to show it at Wembley as well.”
And Labor leader Sir Keir Starmer said: “I think the message needs to get out there that we stand with Israel, the UK stands with Israel, and this is a manifestation of that support.”
The FA has also been criticized for banning fans from wearing Israel shirts or carrying Israeli flags as a sign of support for the 1,300 victims of the ongoing conflict.
It said it would “only allow nationalities to be represented for the nations competing inside Wembley”: England and Australia.
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For Alzheimer’s… The bow is lit blue, the color of the Alzheimer’s SocietyCredit: © amanda rose
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For Covid… Great on the anniversary of the first closureCredit: ©Karwai Tang
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For LGBTQ+… The bow resembles a rainbow, a symbol of PrideCredit: PA
The same rules will apply for the friendly against Italy on Tuesday.
There are fears this could lead to brawls as security staff will be expected to confiscate flags and remove tops that do not comply with the rule. Wembley’s 1,033-foot-long steel arch is the longest single-span roof structure in the world and is visible for miles across London.
The FA previously confirmed his status by lighting him in red, white and blue after the 2015 Paris terror attacks, and red for Turkey the following year.
And it reflected widespread support in the UK for Ukraine after Russia invaded last year, lighting it blue and yellow.
Politician and TV presenter Nigel Farage also pointed to the FA lighting the Arc de Triomphe in the past and said: “But they refuse to put up the Israeli flag despite what Hamas has done there. This is pure cowardice. You can kneel all you want, but this makes you complete and utter hypocrites.”
Podcast: Israel’s War on Terror Explained
The Sun has launched a great new podcast ‘Explaining Israel’s War on Terror’.
In the first episode, we talk to the Israel Defense Forces about the tactics of their Hamas offensive and the tense hostage rescue mission.
To listen, click here if you’re on a mobile phone – or simply scan the QR code with your phone if you’re reading on a computer.
Former FA chairman David Bernstein said: “I am shocked, hurt but not entirely surprised that the FA has not yet had time to consider its response to the killing of almost 1,000 people.
“I notice how quickly he reacted to other situations and I would be happy to get an explanation as to why the tragedy in Israel should be perceived so differently.
“This is in stark contrast to our government, and especially the Prime Minister, who has found the time to respond appropriately to this horrific situation.”
Lord Triesman, who was in charge from 2008 to 2010, said: “There was an utter reluctance to take any action that might upset the rich Middle Eastern nations who now wield such power in football finance.
“And what might upset them is what is not welcome by the militias they support. It was the same pandering to regimes like Vladimir Putin. Everything can be tolerated as long as the cash register is still heard in football.”
Tory Neil O’Brien described the decision as “pathetic” and Lord Ian Austin said it was a “total disgrace”.
Greater Manchester mayoral candidate Nick Buckley added: “Cowards. Hypocrites. Woke up the fools.”
The FA was also heavily criticized by ordinary fans. One, called Dave, said: “So not only are the FA refusing to light up Wembley Arch in Israeli colours, they are also going to take all Israeli flags away from fans for the England/Australia game. Seriously? They are a national disgrace.”
In its statement on the flag and shirt ban yesterday, the FA said: “On Friday night we will remember the innocent victims of the devastating events in Israel and Palestine.”
It added that they will be promoting the British Red Cross emergency appeal at the stadium.
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For Pele… Commemorating the death of the legendary Brazilian footballerCredit: Reuters
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For France… Solidarity after the terrorist attacks in Paris 2015. Credit: Colorsport
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For Turkey… The onion in red after the crimes in Turkey in 2016
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Source: HIS Education