Saudi Arabia’s players did not line up for the minute’s silence against Australia. (YouTube)

Saudi Arabia’s national team has caused controversy after failing to acknowledge a minute’s silence in honour of the victims of the London Bridge terror attack.

The incident occurred moments before kick-off in their World Cup qualifier against Australia on Thursday.

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Australia’s players linked arms as the crowd at the Adelaide Oval fell silent, but the majority of Saudi Arabia’s players continued to talk among themselves as they took their positions on the pitch.

Reporters inside the stadium also claim that some of Saudi Arabia’s supporters did not remain silent during the tribute.


Australia’s players observe a minute’s silence at the Adelaide Oval. (Getty Images)

Last Saturday’s terror attack at London Bridge claimed the lives of seven people, including two Australian citizens.



The minute’s silence was approved by the Asian Football Confederation before the game but while Saudi Arabia’s national team agreed to the tribute the players were not obliged to pay their respects, according to officials.

A spokesperson for Football Federation Australia (FFA) said after the match: ‘The FFA sought agreement from the Asian Football Confederation and the Saudi national team to hold a minute’s silence in memory of those lost in Saturday night’s terror bombings in London and in particular the two Australian women.

‘Both the AFC and the Saudi team agreed that the minute of silence could be held.

‘The FFA was further advised by Saudi team officials that this tradition was not in keeping with Saudi culture and they would move to their side of the field and respect our custom whilst taking their own positions on the field.’

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