Saudi Arabia’s national football team have been criticised for failing to observe a minute’s silence held before Thursday’s match against Australia in Adelaide.

The Socceroos lined up in the centre of the pitch before the World Cup qualifier and held the brief silence as a tribute to the two Australians killed in the terrorist attack in London at the weekend. As they did so, the Saudi Arabia team continued jogging, passing the ball between each other and taking their positions on the field. Pictures from the match show a single Saudi player, Salman al-Faraj, appearing to stand facing the Australia team with his hands behind his back.

Adam Peacock, a presenter with Fox Sports Australia, said on Twitter the Asian Football Confederation has approved the minute’s silence against the wishes of travelling Saudi officials. He said the Football Federation of Australia “tried to reason” with the Saudis but were unable to persuade them to participate in the tribute.

Sara Zelenak, 21, from Brisbane and the South Australian Kirsty Boden, 28, were killed in Saturday night’s terrorist attack. Zelenak was working in London as a nanny and Boden was a nurse, whose family said she died running “towards danger, in an effort to help people on the bridge”. Two other Australians were stabbed in the neck in the attack, which has been claimed by the terrorist group Islamic State.

The decision not to participate in the tribute was met with criticism on Twitter.

Others defended the Saudi team, suggesting the minute’s silence was not a recognised way to show respect and condolences in the country’s culture or in Islam more broadly.

But that appeared to clash with other instances of Gulf countries holding minute’s silences, including to mark the death of the former Saudi King Abdullah.

Another image appeared to show a domestic Saudi team, al-Ahli Saudi FC, standing for a minute’s silence before a Qatar Airways Cup match against Barcelona in December 2016.

Australia went on to win the match 3-2, putting the country on track to qualify for the next World Cup in Russia in 2018.</s>Saudi Arabia’s national team has caused controversy after failing to acknowledge a minute’s silence in honour of the victims of the London Bridge terror attack.

 The incident occurred moments before kick-off in their World Cup qualifier against Australia on Thursday.

 Australia’s players linked arms as the crowd at the Adelaide Oval fell silent, but the majority of Saudi Arabia’s players continued to talk among themselves as they took their positions on the pitch.

 Reporters inside the stadium also claim that some of Saudi Arabia’s supporters did not remain silent during the tribute.

 Last Saturday’s terror attack at London Bridge claimed the lives of seven people, including two Australian citizens.

 The minute’s silence was approved by the Asian Football Confederation before the game but while Saudi Arabia’s national team agreed to the tribute the players were not obliged to pay their respects, according to officials.</s>A moment of silence was held before Wednesday’s World Cup qualifier between Saudi Arabia and host Australia to remember the two Australian victims of last weekend’s terrorist attacks in London. The Socceroos locked arms and stood in a line.

Most of the Saudis, meanwhile, appeared to go about their pregame business, leading to boos from the Adelaide Oval crowd.

According to News.com in Australia, the pregame moment of silence itself was approved by both Asian Football Confederation officials and the Saudi team, but a spokesman for Football Federation Australia said the Saudis also informed game officials that they would not be taking part.

“The FFA was further advised by Saudi team officials that this tradition was not in keeping with Saudi culture and they would move to their side of the field and respect our custom whilst taking their own positions on the field,” the FFA spokesman said. However, as the Independent points out, Saudi club teams have in the past observed moments of silence on the field. Al-Ahli Saudi FC paused for one ahead of its Qatar Airways Cup friendly against Barcelona in December, an acknowledgment of the plane crash in Brazil that claimed the lives of multiple Chapecoense players.

The Post has reached out to the Saudi embassy in Washington, the Saudi press office and the Saudi soccer federation for clarification on the matter, and will update this story if they respond.

In 2015, Turkish soccer fans disrupted moments of silence to remember the victims of terrorist attacks in Paris and Ankara on at least two separate occasions, though it was explained that they meant no disrespect. Instead, they were said to be shouting a popular Turkish anti-terrorism chant. Still, the Turkish soccer team itself took part in the moment of silence even if its fans didn’t and the national team’s coach disagreed with the fans’ disruption, saying it damages “the image of our country.”</s>THE Saudi Arabian Football Federation has apologised for any offence caused by their players’ actions during a tribute to the London terror victims before the Socceroos’ World Cup qualifier.

Saudi Arabia’s players appeared to snub a minute’s silence dedicated to two Australians, Sara Zelenak and Kirsty Boden, who died in the recent London terror attacks.

The pre-game tribute was approved by the Asian Football Confederation after Football Federation Australia’s application.

Now, the Saudi Arabian Football Federation has released a statement on their team’s actions.

“The Saudi Arabian Football Federation deeply regrets and unreservedly apologises for any offence caused by the failure of some members of the representative team of the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia to formally observe the one minute’s silence in memory of the victims of the London terrorist attack on 3 June 2017, prior to the World Cup Qualifying match against Australia in Adelaide,” the statement read on their website.

“The players did not intend any disrespect to the memories of the victims or to cause upset to their families, friends or any individual affected by the atrocity.

“The Saudi Arabian Football Federation condemns all acts of terrorism and extremism and extends its sincerest condolences to the families of all the victims and to the Government and people of the United Kingdom.”

BLOG: Re-live all the drama of Socceroos v Saudi Arabia

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After the game, Football Federation Australia also released a statement.

“The FFA sought agreement from the Asian Football Confederation and the Saudi national team to hold a minute’s silence in memory of those lost in Saturday night’s terror in London and in particular the two Australian women,” the statement read.

“Both the AFC and the Saudi team agreed that the minute of silence could be held. The FFA was further advised by Saudi team officials that this tradition was not in keeping with Saudi culture and they would move to their side of the field and respect our custom whilst taking their own positions on the field.”

The Socceroos went on to win the game 3-2 and keep their hopes of qualifying for the 2018 World Cup in their own hands.</s>Saudi Arabia's national soccer team on Thursday failed to properly line up for a moment of silence held for the victims of the terror attacks in London. Saudi Arabia was set to play Australia in a World Cup qualifier when the announcer called for a minute of silence on the pitch, reports The Telegraph .

Start the conversation, or Read more at The Daily Caller.</s>There was drama as Saudi Arabia’s football national team declined to observe minute’s silence in honour of the victims of the London Bridge terror attack.

The shocking incident occurred ahead of the FIFA World Cup Asian qualifying match between Saudi Arabia and Australia.

When the stadium announcer called for a minute's silence, 11 Australian players on the field lined up at the center circle with their arms on their teammates' shoulders, but Saudi Arabian footballers ignored the tradition and took their positions on the pitch.

According to officials, the minute’s silence was approved by the Asian Football Confederation before the game and while Saudi Arabia’s national team agreed to the tribute, the players refused to pay their respects.

Last Saturday’s terror attack at London Bridge claimed the lives of seven people, including two Australian citizens.

After the match, a spokesperson for Football Federation Australia (FFA) also confirmed that they had an agreement with the Asian Football Confederation to hold minute's silence for the victims of the London Bridge terror attack.

‘The FFA sought agreement from the Asian Football Confederation and the Saudi national team to hold a minute’s silence in memory of those lost in night’s terror bombings in London and in particular the two Australian women.

‘Both the AFC and the Saudi team agreed that the minute of silence could be held.

‘The FFA was further advised by Saudi team officials that this tradition was not in keeping with Saudi culture and they would move to their side of the field and respect our custom whilst taking their own positions on the field

The match ended 3- 2 in favour of Australia, leaving Saudi Arabia at 16 points in their qualifying group.</s>Saudi Arabia National Team refuse to observe minute’s silence for London terror victims during football match with Australia

There was drama on Thursday as Saudi Arabia’s football national team declined to observe minute’s silence in honour of the victims of the London Bridge terror attack.

The shocking incident occurred ahead of the FIFA World Cup Asian qualifying match between Saudi Arabia and Australia.

When the stadium announcer called for a minute’s silence, 11 Australian players on the field lined up at the center circle with their arms on their teammates’ shoulders, but Saudi Arabian footballers ignored the tradition and took their positions on the pitch.

According to officials, the minute’s silence was approved by the Asian Football Confederation before the game and while Saudi Arabia’s national team agreed to the tribute, the players refused to pay their respects.

Last Saturday’s terror attack at London Bridge claimed the lives of seven people, including two Australian citizens.

After the match, a spokesperson for Football Federation Australia (FFA) also confirmed that they had an agreement with the Asian Football Confederation to hold minute’s silence for the victims of the London Bridge terror attack.

‘The FFA sought agreement from the Asian Football Confederation and the Saudi national team to hold a minute’s silence in memory of those lost in Saturday night’s terror bombings in London and in particular the two Australian women.

‘Both the AFC and the Saudi team agreed that the minute of silence could be held.

‘The FFA was further advised by Saudi team officials that this tradition was not in keeping with Saudi culture and they would move to their side of the field and respect our custom whilst taking their own positions on the field

The match ended 3- 2 in favour of Australia, leaving Saudi Arabia at 16 points in their qualifying group</s>Saudi Arabia’s national team has caused controversy after failing to acknowledge a minute’s silence in honour of the victims of the London Bridge terror attack.

The incident occurred moments before kick-off in their World Cup qualifier against Australia on Thursday.

Australia’s players linked arms as the crowd at the Adelaide Oval fell silent, but the majority of Saudi Arabia’s players continued to talk among themselves as they took their positions on the pitch.

Reporters inside the stadium also claim that some of Saudi Arabia’s supporters did not remain silent during the tribute.

Last Saturday’s terror attack at London Bridge claimed the lives of seven people, including two Australian citizens.

The minute’s silence was approved by the Asian Football Confederation before the game but while Saudi Arabia’s national team agreed to the tribute the players were not obliged to pay their respects, according to officials.

A spokesperson for Football Federation Australia (FFA) said after the match: ‘The FFA sought agreement from the Asian Football Confederation and the Saudi national team to hold a minute’s silence in memory of those lost in Saturday night’s terror bombings in London and in particular the two Australian women.

‘Both the AFC and the Saudi team agreed that the minute of silence could be held.

‘The FFA was further advised by Saudi team officials that this tradition was not in keeping with Saudi culture and they would move to their side of the field and respect our custom whilst taking their own positions on the field.’

MORE: Arsenal will not sell Alexis Sanchez to Manchester City unless two conditions are met

MORE: Antonio Conte to hold talks with Kylian Mbappe as Chelsea prepare bid to Monaco</s>Prime Minister Malcolm Turnbull has addressed the Saudi Arabian football team's refusal to honour a minute's silence for the two Australian victims of the London terror attack, saying "everyone" should be united in condemnation of terrorism.



"The whole world, the whole free world is united in condemnation of that terrorist attack and terrorism generally and in sympathy and love for the victims and their families," Mr Turnbull said, adding he has not yet watched video of the minute's silence.



"The heartbreaking loss of young Australians in London, of course in Baghdad and just this week in Melbourne to these murderous terrorists. Everybody, everyone should be united in condemnation of the terrorists and love and sympathy and respect for the victims and their families," he ended.



Earlier, the Socceroos addressed the incident saying they had "no control" over the Saudi Arabian football team's actions."

"More importantly for us as a team we wanted to show our respects for the two that lost their lives and make sure that we did the right thing and what they did we don't really have any control over that," player Ryan McGowan said.

"We just wanted to make sure that we did it and we observed it properly."

The Saudi Arabian Football Federation has apologised for the behaviour of some of its players, who ignored the minute’s silence held before kickoff at the World Cup qualifier at Adelaide Oval last night.

Several of the Saudi players wandered away while the Socceroos observed the silent tribute in honour of two Australians killed in Saturday’s London terror attack.

Some of the Saudi team continued jogging and passing the ball between each other during the tribute. One player stood facing the Australian team.

"The Saudi Arabian Football Federation deeply regrets and unreservedly apologises for any offence caused by the failure of some members of the representative team of the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia to formally observe the one minute's silence in memory of the victims of the London terrorist attack on 3 June 2017, prior to the World Cup Qualifying match against Australia in Adelaide," a holding statement by the federation reads.

"The players did not intend any disrespect to the memories of the victims or to cause upset to their families, friends or any individual affected by the atrocity.

"The Saudi Arabian Football Federation condemns all acts of terrorism and extremism and extends its sincerest condolences to the families of all victims and to the Government and people of the United Kingdom."

A Football Federation Australia spokesperson earlier told News Corp the Saudi team notified them they would not be honouring the tribute in advance of the pre-match ritual.

"Both the Australian Football Confederation and the Saudi team agreed that the minute of silence could be held," it was quoted as saying.

"The FFA was further advised by Saudi team officials that this tradition was not in keeping with Saudi culture and they would move to their side of the field and respect our custom whilst taking their own positions on the field."

The Saudi team's display has drawn heavy criticism.

3AW radio host Neil Mitchell told the TODAY Show the team should "apologise and get out".

"If it's not in line with their culture then they should have honoured our culture and done the right thing. They've insulted Australia, they've insulted Australians, they've insulted the British victims as well.

"It was disrespectful, it was insulting."

TODAY co-host Sylvia Jeffreys noted "I would be required to wear a headscarf if I were to travel to Saudi Arabia and they can't stand still for one minute to observe something that has no cultural, no religious background, no meaning in a faith or religious respect, it is simply honouring people who have lost their lives."

Only one Saudi player appeared to observe the minute's silence. (Image: Getty) ()

Labor MP Anthony Albanese told TODAY the display was disgraceful.

"This isn't about culture, this is about a lack of respect," he said.

Some users defended the team, saying a minute silence was not observed in Saudi culture, or Islam.

However, a domestic Saudi team al-Ahli Saudi FC was photographed last year observing a minute's silence before a Qatar Airways Cup match in Doha against Barcelona.

The Socceroos went on to score a 3-2 win against Saudi Arabia, earning themselves a place in the upcoming World Cup.

Two Australian women were among the seven victims of the deadly weekend terror attack.

Teams observe one minute of silence during the Qatar Airways Cup match between FC Barcelona and Al-Ahli Saudi FC on December 13, 2016 in Doha, Qatar. (Image: Getty) ()

Tributes have flowed for Brisbane 21-year-old Sara Zelenak, who had been working in London as an au pair, and South Australian nurse Kirsty Boden, 28.

They have been remembered by friends and loved ones for the joy they brought to the lives of others.

Two other Australians are recovering from injuries sustained in the attack.

Kirsty Boden had lived in London for the past three years. ()

Sara Zelenak had previously evaded a suicide bombing at an Ariana Grande concert in Manchester last month and was also at Westminster Bridge a day before the deadly rampage in March before being killed in the London Bridge and Borough Market attack. ()</s>Saudi Arabia's Football Federation have issued an apology after its football team failed to pay respect with a minute's silence in memory of the London terror attack victims.

The statement claimed the SAFF "deeply regrets and unreservedly apologises for any offence caused."

Opponents Australia lined up arm in arm before the World Cup qualifier in Adelaide after last week's attack, which led to eight victims, including two Australians.

The Saudi team lined up in a random order across the pitch with the substitutes and coaching staff failing to rise off the bench.

The statement read: "The Saudi Arabian Football Federation deeply regrets and unreservedly apologises for any offence caused by the failure of some members of the representative team of the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia to formally observe the one minute's silence in memory of the victims of the London terrorist attack on 3 June 2017, prior to the World Cup Qualifying match against Australia in Adelaide.

"The players did not intend any disrespect to the memories of the victims or to cause upset to their families, friends or any individual affected by the atrocity.

"The Saudi Arabian Football Federation condemns all acts of terrorism and extremism and extends its sincerest condolences to the families of all the victims and to the Government and people of the United Kingdom."

Australian football chiefs have attempted to defuse the growing outrage.

In a statement, the FFA explained: "The FFA sought agreement from the Asian Football Confederation and the Saudi national team to hold a minute's silence in memory of those lost in Saturday night's terror bombings in London and in particular the two Australian women," a spokesman said.

"Both the AFC and the Saudi team agreed that the minute of silence could be held.

"The FFA was further advised by Saudi team officials that this tradition was not in keeping with Saudi culture and they would move to their side of the field and respect our custom whilst taking their own positions on the field.

"The local broadcaster, Fox Sports, was informed of this prior to the minute's silence taking place."

However, that seems to go against previous instances where Saudi teams have lined up to show respects.

Back in 2005, at the first match of the Silver Cup, respect in the form of a minutes silence was paid for the deceased King Abdullah.

Three terrorists mowed down pedestrians in a van before emerging with knives and stabbing revellers in the London Bridge and Borough Market area.

Australians Sara Zelenak, 21, and Kirsty Boden, 28, were among the victims killed in Saturday night’s terrorist attack.

Sara, a nanny. was separated from friends as they ran from the scene after a van ran down pedestrians.

"One in a million" nurse Kirsty was killed while "running towards danger" in a bid to help victims.

Tory leader Theresa May has been criticised during the general election campaign for selling arms to Saudi Arabia.

She also been criticised for "suppressing" a report into the funding of Islamist groups which is understood to name Saudi Arabia as being the main donors.

Labour rival Jeremy Corbyn said that "difficult conversations" were necessary with Saudi Arabia.

He said: "We do need to have some difficult conversations starting with Saudi Arabia and other Gulf states that have funded and fuelled extremist ideology.

"It is no good Theresa May suppressing a report into the foreign funding of extremist groups.

"We have to get serious about cutting off the funding to these terror networks, including Isis, here and in the Middle East."

Australia won the match 3-2, leaving them in a strong position to qualify for the finals in Russia next summer.
The Saudi Arabia national team provokes outrage for failing to observe a minutes silence at a World Cup qualifier against Australia at Adelaide Oval. The minute silence was in commemoration of the two Australian victims of the June 2017 London attack. The incident received condemnation from Australia's political leaders.