The Premier League has confirmed that the first round of fixtures after the international break will see players, managers and officials wearing black armbands “as a mark of respect for all those affected” by the Israel-Gaza war.
There will also be a moment’s silence before kick-off in those games, which take place between Saturday, October 21 to Monday, October 23.
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“The Premier League is shocked and saddened by the escalating crisis in Israel and Gaza, and strongly condemns the horrific and brutal acts of violence against innocent civilians,” a statement read on Thursday.
“We hope for peace, and our heartfelt sympathies are with the victims, their families and the communities impacted.
“As a mark of respect for all those affected, Premier League players, managers and match officials will wear black armbands and observe a moment’s silence at the fixtures taking place from Saturday 21 to Monday 23 October.
“The league will also make a donation to the British Red Cross to support the aid efforts helping those in urgent need.”
Following that statement, the chairman of the Israeli Professional Football Leagues, Erez Halfon, said he was “amazed, shocked and disappointed” at the Premier League’s stance in an open letter to its chief executive, Richard Masters while Campaign Against Antisemitism chair, Gideon Falter, expressed similar sentiment in a letter to Masters and his counterpart at the Football Association (FA), Mark Bullingham.
Israel declared a state of war after Hamas launched an attack on the country on Saturday morning.
Earlier on Thursday, the English FA said it would also promote the emergency appeal by the British Red Cross within Wembley Stadium on Friday, when England the men’s team face Australia in a friendly.
The FA also confirmed that a period of silence will be held before the match, with players from both sides wearing black armbands.
UEFA and FIFA have yet to issue statements about the situation, though UEFA president Aleksander Ceferin wrote a letter to the president of the Israel FA in which he expressed “profound sorrow” about “senseless acts of violence”.
An EFL statement read: “Following the shocking and devastating events in Israel and Palestine, our collective thoughts are with all the innocent people who have lost their lives, as well as their families, friends and all those in communities impacted by the escalating conflict.
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“The EFL hopes for a swift and peaceful conclusion to the current humanitarian crisis and will be making a donation to the emergency appeal of our charity partner, the British Red Cross, to support the international response efforts aiding those in urgent need across the region. We will be promoting links across EFL channels so that fans can also pledge in support.
“Across EFL fixtures this weekend, clubs will wear black armbands as a mark of respect to those that have lost their lives and a period of silence will be observed.”
GO DEEPER
How Israeli football is responding to the war
(Photo: Joe Prior/Visionhaus via Getty Images)