ENGLAND football chiefs have “much more to do” in showing support to the victims of Hamas’ attack on Israel, Downing Street says.
The Football Association is under pressure after not lighting up the Wembley arch in the colours of the Israeli flag during the men’s match against Australia on Friday.
SportimageThe FA failed to light up the Wembley Arch in Israel’s colours before England’s friendly with Australia on Friday[/caption]
The iconic arch has previously been lit up with the colours of Ukraine and Turkey in solidarity.
The team play against Italy this evening with growing calls to do more after the players wore black armbands and held a minute’s silence last week.
Number 10 was asked today whether the FA should light up the stadium in north-west London in blue and white having done so to mark previous atrocities.
A spokesman said: “As you say, they have managed to show support in those circumstances.
“I think it is right, given the horror that Israel has been put through, that every part of the UK shows its support.”
Pushed on whether Rishi Sunak believed the FA had “fallen short” in its memorials last week, the spokesman added: “As I say, we think there is much more to do and much more they can be doing to show support.”
Rabbi Alex Goldberg stepped down as chair of the FA’s Faith in Football network over the decision.
Moshe Zuares, Israeli Football Association boss, last week criticised the FA: “There are moments in history when the truth is one, sharp, clear. Such is the present time.”
In a statement last week, the FA said they will remember the innocent victims following the “devastating “events in Israel and Palestine during the two home games.
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