FA holding talks over Israel Wembley gesture but there's concerns behind the scenes after Hamas attacks

Wembley FA

The FA are considering illuminating the Wembley arch in order to support Israel

GETTY
Jack Otway

By Jack Otway


Published: 09/10/2023

- 13:58

Israel have declared war on Hammas with a 'complete siege' ordered

The FA are reportedly holding talks over whether to illiminate the Wembley arch in the colours of Israel's flag following attacks on the country.

The country was targeted by Hamas militants over the weekend with over 1,000 people killed so far.


The Israeli flag was projected onto 10 Downing Street and City Hall in London in tribute to those murdered in the attacks.

Now, the Daily Mail say the FA are holding talks over whether to illuminate the Wembley arch as a gesture of support.

WATCH NOW: BBC slammed over coverage of Hamas attacks

The FA have previously done this in order to honour countries who have suffered from terrorist attacks in recent years.

The Ukrainian flag was projected over Wembley and lit up the arch at least year's Carabao Cup final following Russia's invasion.

That tribute was repeated when Ukraine visited London for a European Championship qualifier earlier in the year.

Before that, in November 2015, the Wembley arch bore the colours of the French flag after the Paris terror attacks.

England could now follow suit with Gareth Southgate's side set to lock horns with Australia on Friday night.

The Three Lions will then do battle with Italy next week.

The FA's senior leadership team are currently in Nyon, with the United Kingdom and Ireland set to be confirmed as the hosts of Euro 2028.

They will, per the publication, discuss the Israel situation with UEFA.

Some senior figures are said to be worried about being accused of taking sides.

Other options include a period of silence for victims on both sides.

The FA must also decide how to respond if there is any pro-Palestinian chanting in the stands.

Likewise with flags that could be waved to show support.

There were reports of pro-Hamas protests in London over the weekend, with police stepping up security in specific areas of the city.

UEFA have currently postponed all of Israel's matches scheduled for the next two weeks while the conflict goes on.

An under-17s tournament has also been delayed, too.

Meanwhile, a spokesperson for the Israel Defence Forces has said there is still active fighting with Hamas militants 'constantly trying to cross over' the border.

"They keep stringing to the border and we expect this to continue because there's a massive number of jihadis that have been trained to do this," Doron Spielman said."

LATEST SPORTS NEWS:

Israel attacks

Israel attacks: Over 1,000 people have died amid Hamas conflict

GETTY

He added: "There are potentially serious numbers of terrorists that are in hiding.

"We are battling an enemy that is more similar to ISIS than any other type of enemy that the world has encountered in many, many years."

You may like