Saudi Arabia's Football Federation have apologised following after failing to properly observe a one minute silence for the victims of the London terror attack.
Eight people were killed and 48 were injured in the atrocities that took place in the the London Bridge and Borough Market area, and yesterday prior to Australia's 3-2 win over Saudi Arabia, a minute's silence was held for all those that lost their lives.
But while the home side lined up and linked arms on the centre circle to honour the victims after the stadium announcer called for the mark of respect, Saudi Arabia's players failed to follow suit and merely continued their warm-up routines on the pitch, in a random formation, while it was also reported that that unlike Australia's substitutes bench, Saudi Arabia failed to rise from their bench - prompting boos from the fans in attendance at Adelaide Oval.
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The team's actions caused a huge stir on social media, and an apology has now been issued.
A statement from the federation read:
"The Saudi Arabian Football Federation deeply regrets and unreservedly apologises for any offence caused by the failure of 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.
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"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.
"The Saudi Arabian Football Federation condemns all acts of terrorism and extremism and extends its sincerest condolences to the families of all the victims and to the government and people of the United Kingdom.
Australian football officials have said that a minute's silence was agreed between the Asian Football confederation Saudi national team to remember the victims, including two Australian women, but were informed by Saudi chiefs that it was not within their culture and they would instead take their positions as normal in preparation for kick-off.
The FFA statement read:
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"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.
"The local broadcaster, Fox Sports, was informed of this prior to the minute's silence taking place."
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Australia emerged victorious with a 3-2 win, with Tom Rogic's stunning matchwinner meaning Australia now level on points with both Saudi Arabia and Japan on 16 points, and are only in third place in Group B because of goal difference.
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