Israel and Poland players hold minute's silence after kick-off in UEFA protest

17 November 2023 , 23:13

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Israel and Poland players hold minute's silence after kick-off in UEFA protest

Israel and Poland players decided to hold a minute silence AFTER kick-off in protest against UEFA's decision not to allow a moment of remembrance for victims of attacks by Hamas before their Euro Under-21 Championship qualifier.

European's leading football governing body refused to grant permission for both sets of players to hold a moment of silence before kick-off to remember the victims of the October 7 Hamas attacks in Israel. Around 1,200 people died when the Hamas terrorist group broke Gaza's military border, according to Israeli officials.

Poland hosted Israel in Euro U21 qualification on Friday night and the two teams chose to observe a minute silence after the whistle had blown for kick-off. Everyone inside the stadium also joined in to remember those who passed away over a month ago, as players remained in their formations.

Once the minute was up, Israel got game underway as both teams battled for three vital points. However, it would be Poland who came out on top, as goals from Milosz Matysik and Szymon Wlodarczyk earned them a 2-1 victory. The result keeps them top of Group D with four wins from their opening four qualifying matches.

As for Israel, they remain bottom on zero points, although they have played just two games - less than any of the five countries in their group. Poland are next in action on Tuesday in a top-of-the-group clash against Germany, while Israel face Kosovo, needing a victory to get their campaign up and running.

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Israel and Poland Under 21 players held a minute silence after kick-off

UEFA and other governing bodies have been tasked with balancing political decision making with sport in recent weeks as the war continues. UEFA allowed nation's to hold a moment of silence before Euro 2024 qualifying games in October, but they have not given permission this time around.

Meanwhile, Israel's men's team are back in action when they entertain Romania in a Euro 2024 qualifier on Saturday. This is before a trip to Poland to wrap up their qualification campaign.

Kieran King