Saudi Arabia met Australia for a World Cup qualifier at the Adelaide Oval stadium in South Australia. The two teams were preparing for kick off when the announcement was made for a minute’s silence to take place.
Images from the match show a single player from the Saudi team, Salman al-Faraj, seemingly standing for the silence, with his hands behind his back.
At the end of the minute, Australian fans loudly booed the Saudi team as they ignored the show of respect from the other team.
Two young Australian women, Sara Zelenak and Kirsty Boden, were victims in the London attack that left eight people dead.
Fox Sports presenter Adam Peacock stated that the Asian Football Confederation pre-approved the minute’s silence but Saudi officials declined to participate.
Pre game minute silence:
AFC approved it pre game.
Travelling Saudi officials said no.
FFA tried to reason, no avail and went ahead.— Adam Peacock (@adampeacock3) June 8, 2017
But Peacock added that the Saudi players were standing still during the minute, just not in a line, apart from team captain Osama Hawsawi, who continued to stretch and warm up.
Social media users took to twitter to express their anger.
This says a lot. Australia-Saudi WorldCup qualifier. Australian team observes minute of silence for victims of #London attack. Saudis don't. pic.twitter.com/Cqf1vTVKtc
— Trita Parsi (@tparsi) June 8, 2017
I can not understand them
They are incapable for 1 minute of silence in respect of the humanity!#استراليا_السعوديه pic.twitter.com/NgG85h0sGi— BaBaK (@Babaksss) June 8, 2017