The Saudi Arabia Football Federation has apologised after several of its players appeared to ignore last night’s minute’s silence to honour the the London terror victims.

Little respect for victims

Whilst the Australian team stood arm in arm during the minute’s silence, most of the Saudi team wandered around the pitch either oblivious or disinterested in what was going on.

Only one Saudi player actually stopped to pay respect to the terror victims.

The actions of the Saudi team have understandably caused plenty of offence in the community.

Saudi Arabia Officials Reportedly Behind Decision

There are indications that it was the decision of Saudi officials not to participate in the minute’s silence.

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

Saudi Arabia’s Apology

In a statement this morning the Saudi Arabia Football Federation has apologised for it’s actions.

“The Saudi Arabian Football Federation deeply regrets and unreservedly apologises for any offence caused by the failure by 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.”

For me this apology is too little too late. The ‘apology’ is mentioning the Saudi players. I’d really like to know what the logic was behind the decision by Saudi officials not to be part of the minute’s silence. What were they thinking?

It was a really poor effort from Saudi Arabia and it takes a whole lot more than a well scripted press release to get them out of this one.

Personally I’d like to see the Saudi officials apologise to the victim’s families in person. Somehow though I don’t think we are going to see that happen.

by Michael T. Lynch – contributor