Wembley Stadium arch not expected to be lit in Israeli colours
England are set to play Australia and Italy at Wembley; the FA is preparing to announce how it will show solidarity with more than 1,300 people killed since Hamas launched attacks on Israel last Saturday; the Wembley arch has previously been illuminated within days of attacks on countries
Thursday 12 October 2023 12:25, UK
The Wembley Stadium arch is not expected to be lit in the blue and white of the Israeli flag, Sky News understands.
The FA is preparing to announce how it will show solidarity with more than 1,300 people killed since Hamas launched attacks on Israel last Saturday.
The FA is yet to comment.
England play Australia in a friendly at Wembley on Friday night with manager Gareth Southgate due to hold a pre-match news conference later on Thursday.
Over the years, the Wembley arch has been illuminated in the colours of the flags of countries, including France, Turkey and Ukraine, within days of attacks.
There are clear sensitivities — with some wanting Palestinian deaths acknowledged.
The president of the FA — Prince William — has commented on the situation in a joint statement with his wife through a Kensington Palace spokesperson.
In part it read: «As Israel exercises its right to self-defence, all Israelis and Palestinians will be continued to be stalked by grief, fear and anger in the time to come.»
Health secretary Steve Barclay had earlier joined calls for the Wembley arch to be lit up in blue and white on Friday, telling Sky News «we should make clear out strong support for Israel».
«We stand with Israel, and I think we've seen that with Parliament, we've seen it with Number 10,» he added. «I think it would be fitting to show that with Wembley as well.»
Latest figures from the Israeli Defence Forces
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