A new guideline agreed by the Football Association board of England states that Wembley Stadium would only light its arch for football and entertainment events.
According to The Telegraph, the decision was made after the FA faced criticism for choosing not to illuminate the arch in the Israeli flag’s colours in response to Hamas’s October bombings.
In response, Israel launched airstrikes on Gaza, obstructing the entry of gasoline, food, water, and medical supplies.
Ahead of the England vs Australia international friendly football match at Wembley stadium in north London on October 13, 2023, a message is shown on the big screen during a minute of silence to remember the victims of the Hamas assaults in Israel and ongoing actions in Gaza. Image: AFP
The ‘innocent victims’ of the battle were remembered during a moment of silence at Wembley on October 13, prior to England’s friendly match versus Australia.
The FA was chastised by the British government for the choice.
The FA’s propensity to light up the arch in support of various causes is the main target of criticism.
general view during the minute of applause that followed the death of former England player Bobby Charlton. Image courtesy of Reuters
The most recent instance occurred when, following Russia’s invasion of Ukraine last year, the arch was lit up in blue and yellow. Following the terror events in Turkey in 2016 and the terror attacks in Paris the year prior, it was lighted in the colours of the French tricolour. In honour of International Women’s Day, the arch has also been lit.
The FA’s new policy, which came about after a period of reflection and in response to criticism of inconsistency, will see the arch lit for far fewer events that are almost strictly limited to football and entertainment. This is in line with the stadium’s primary function as a football and entertainment venue.
The FA will continue to back many causes and campaigns related to equality and diversity, but it will not light the way for them. It will be lighted during events at Wembley, such as concerts or matches, but not during tragedies or natural catastrophes, as in the past.