Calls for Saudi ambassador to apologise after silence snub
Senator Cory Bernardi is calling for the Saudi Arabian ambassador to apologise following the team’s choice to ignore a moment’s silence for the victims of the London terrorist attacks in their match with Australia.
The Saudi football team were condemned for ignoring the moment’s silence, which was communicated to both teams, before its 3-2 loss to Australia.
“This is the national football team,” the senator said.
“They have shown unbelievable disrespect.”
Two Australians, 21-year-old Brisbane woman Sara Zelenak and 28-year-old South Australian nurse Kirsty Boden, were killed in the attack.
The Saudi Arabia Football team told the FFA that honouring a moment’s silence was not in line with their traditions.
But in 2016 Saudi Arabian club al-Ahli FC observed a moment’s silence before their match with FC Barcelona in Qatar.
A Saudi team official said the players did not intend to disrespect the memories of the victims or to upset their families, friends or any individual affected by the atrocity.
Prime Minister Malcolm Turnbull said everyone should be condemning the actions of the terrorists.
A fan at the match said the moment’s silence was “important for respect”.
“To be honest I was proud of all the people in the stands who were silent,” he said.
