Ahead of Thursday’s World Cup Qualifier between Australia and Saudi Arabia, a minute’s silence was held in honour of the victims of last weekend’s tragic terror attack in London.
But while the Australia starting XI linked arms at the centre circle to mark the moment of reflection, several members of the Saudi Arabia side seemed to just continue warming up and take up their starting positions on the pitch.
The Telegraph reports that Saudi Arabia’s substitutes also failed to stand up after the Adelaide Oval announcer requested that everyone in attendance mark the minute’s silence.
Supporters reportedly didn’t take kindly to the move from the Saudi players as they booed the lack of respect.
Australia ended up winning the game, 3-2, with Tom Rogic scoring a winner after an hour of action.
But the pre-match refusal from one team to line up accordingly following the attack, which claimed eight lives on Saturday night, left a sour taste in the mouths of those watching from home.
Well observed minute silence from the Saudi's… #AUSvKSA pic.twitter.com/hyfpLQsDZj
— Damon Burley (@damonburley) June 8, 2017
https://twitter.com/MatanSlonim1997/status/872787909262196736
https://twitter.com/reesieboi/status/872758066642472960
#AUSvKSA No respect from the Saudi Arabia Soccer team 😡😡 for a minute of silence for the London attack victims. pic.twitter.com/f146JcfN9m
— SwiftiesMelb (Taylor’s Version) (@SwiftiesMelb) June 8, 2017
I hope FFA call out Saudi Arabia on the clear lack of respect shown prior to KO. Not participating in the minutes silence is disgusting.
— Viking_12 (@V1king_12) June 8, 2017
