FLAGS OF PALESTINE, ISRAEL BANNED INSIDE WEMBLEY STADIUM DURING ENGLAND GAMES

Thu 12 October 2023:

Flags and shirts showing support for victims of the Israeli-Palestinian conflict will not be allowed for England’s games against Australia and Italy at Wembley, the FA said on Thursday.

England host Australia in a friendly on Friday before taking on Italy in a European Championship qualifier on Tuesday. “On Friday evening, we will remember the innocent victims of the devastating events in Israel and Palestine,” the FA said in a statement.

“We will only permit flags, replica kits and other representations of nationality for the competing nations inside Wembley Stadium for the upcoming matches against Australia and Italy.”

England and Australia players will wear black armbands, the FA added, and there will be a period of silence before kick-off.

Downing Street holds meeting on how to Police protests

A meeting was held in Downing Street this morning to discuss policing protests over the Israel/Hamas war.

Home Secretary Suella Braverman, Levelling Up Secretary Michael Gove and policing minister Chris Philp were all present.

Pro-Palestinian protesters gathered outside the Israeli embassy in London on Monday, chanting “Israel is a terrorist state” and “free Palestine”.

Three people were arrested following the demonstrations.

Later, Foreign Secretary James Cleverly called on those wanting to join pro-Palestinian protests to stay at home.

Wembley Stadium arch not set to be lit in colours of Israeli flag

The Wembley arch will not be lit in the blue and white of the Israeli flag, but instead players will wear black armbands.

The Football Association said in a statement that England and Australia players will wear the armbands during their friendly there tomorrow.

A period of silence will also take place before kick-off. The statement did not reference lighting up the stadium.

It continued: “Following discussions with partners and external stakeholders, we will only permit flags, replica kits and other representations of nationality for the competing nations inside Wembley Stadium for the upcoming matches against Australia and Italy.”

Gareth Southgate is due to hold a pre-match news conference later today.

Over the years, the Wembley arch has been illuminated in the colours of the flags of countries, including France, Turkey and Ukraine, within days of attacks.

There are clear sensitivities – with some wanting Palestinian deaths acknowledged.

Health Secretary Steve Barclay had earlier joined calls for the Wembley arch to be lit up in blue and white on Friday, telling Sky News “we should make clear our strong support for Israel”.

SOURCE: INDEPENDENT PRESS AND NEWS AGENCIES

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