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Saudi Arabia football team refuse to join Australia in minute's silence for London terror victims

Saudi Arabian players refuse to join the tribute

The Saudi Arabian national football team have been criticised for failing to observe a minute’s silence for the victims of the London Bridge terror attack.

Australian supporters were left outraged ahead of the Fifa World Cup Asian Qualifying match between the two countries, when the Saudi Arabian players appeared to ignore the silence.

Images from the match show the Australian team lined up in the middle of the pitch, while the Saudi players warm-up and prepare to begin the match.

The Australian press has also accused the Saudi supporters of failing to properly observe the silence, while it has been claimed the Saudi Arabian substitutes failed to stand and pay their respects.

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Television pictures show the Saudi players snubbing the minute's silence (Reuters)
Television pictures show the Saudi players snubbing the minute's silence (Reuters)

The Australian crowd loudly booed the Saudi team after the minute's silence finished.

The Saudi team was immediately criticised on social media, with bewildered supporters calling on Fifa to take action on the national team.

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"I hope Fifa call out Saudi Arabia on the clear lack of respect shown prior to kick-off," wrote one user. "Not participating in the minute's silence is disgusting."

Another fan wrote: "Minute's silence for London terror [victims], Saudi players wandering around like they don't give a f***. Saudi fans shouting the whole time."

The match was held at the Adelaide Oval with a minute of silence to commemorate the eight victims of the London Bridge terror attack. Two Australian citizens were killed in the attack.

Nanny Sara Zelenak, 21, was confirmed dead on Wednesday while nurse Kristy Boden was also killed in the attack, after running to help other victims.

Australia went on to win the Group B qualification match 3-2.