Government tells FA to show support for victims of Israel attacks as Arsenal players risk backlash

The Football Association has received a request from the UK government to show support for the victims of the recent terror attacks in Israel by lighting up the Wembley arch in the colors of the country’s flag. The slow response from the industry in acknowledging the loss of life inflicted by Hamas terrorists has caused anger among British Jews. Lucy Frazer, the culture secretary, wrote to major UK sports bodies urging them to recognize the events appropriately. Lord John Mann, the government’s advisor on anti-Semitism, is in talks with the FA about illuminating the Wembley arch for the upcoming friendly match between England and Australia. The Premier League and the EFL are also in discussions with Lord Mann about how best to respond. Jewish supporter organizations for Arsenal, Chelsea, and Watford have criticized football’s silence and called on clubs to show their sympathy and respect publicly. Arsenal players Mohamed Elneny and Oleksandr Zinchenko have used social media to express support for Palestine and Israel, respectively, prompting the club to warn their entire squad about potential backlash. Arsenal is also holding an anti-Semitism workshop and maintaining dialogue with Arsenal’s Jewish Gooners group. Lord Mann has also requested a meeting with Celtic after their supporters demonstrated support for Palestine. Tottenham Hotspur is offering support to their Israeli winger Manor Solomon, who posted a message about the events in Israel on Instagram.

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Michael Johnson

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