Why are Premier League players wearing black armbands this weekend? Might be a popular question for football fans as they watch their favourite teams in action over the next few days – so, just why are the players, managers and match officials donning the armbands?
Premier League Players, Managers and Officials To Wear Black Armbands This Weekend
After the recent international break, it’s the return to the Premier League this weekend and this will be the first games back since the events in Israel and Gaza.
With this in mind, and ahead of this weekend’s sporting action, the British Government wrote to various sports bodies around the UK to encourage them to show support for the recent circumstances in Israel and Gaza.
The Premier League has since revealed their match officials, players and managers will be asked to wear black armbands for the upcoming fixtures between 21-23 October 2023 in a mark of respect for the victims.
This will be to show their support and also to say it strongly condemns the brutal acts of violence.
A Premier League statement (issued on October 12th): “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.”
“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.”
Premier League players, managers and match officials will wear black armbands and observe a moment’s silence at next week’s fixtures to mark the events in Israel and Palestine. pic.twitter.com/sPGltPOUZW
— Sky Sports News (@SkySportsNews) October 12, 2023
Teams Will Also Observe A Moment’s Silence
Teams across the Premier League and lower football league will also observe a moment’s silence prior to their games between Saturday 21st and Monday 23rd October 2023.
This will stretch out to EFL teams across the divisions, including the Championship, while the league is also expected to make a donation to the British Red Cross to help those in need of support.
In addition, Premier League sides have received guidance on which flags and banners can be displayed at grounds over this weekend, with potentially sensitive material surrounding the political situation in Israel expected to be vetted.
England National Side Also Sported Black Armbands In Their Recent Friendly Against Australia
England players wore black armbands on their international friendly with Australia on Friday 13th October 2023 too, with this a mark of respect also for the innocent victims from the ongoing conflict in Palestine and Israel.
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