FA’s Israel-Gaza Tribute before England Match Met with Criticism

The Football Association has “tried to make the best decision with good intentions” over tributes to those who have died in Israel and Gaza, according to England manager Gareth Southgate.

Players will wear black armbands during Friday’s match between England and Australia and a period of silence will be held in order to respect “the innocent victims of the devastating events in Israel and Palestine”.

The FA has chosen not to light up the Wembley arch with the colours of the Israeli flag.

Secretary of State for Culture, Media and Sport Lucy Frazer has called that decision “extremely disappointing”.

More than 1,200 people have been killed in Israel in a series of attacks launched by Palestinian militant group Hamas last week.

Israel then launched air strikes on Gaza and has restricted access to food, water, fuel and medicine in the territory.

More than 1,300 people have been killed in Gaza in those strikes, with 338,000 people displaced.