Saudis apologise after footballers snub silence in memory of London attack

The Saudi team officials said the tradition was not in keeping with Saudi culture, but that their players would respect the custom from the side of the field.

The Saudi Arabian Football Federation has apologised for "any offence caused" after its players declined to join in a minute's silence in memory of the London Bridge attacks before the start of a World Cup qualifying match.

When the stadium announcer in Adelaide, Australia, called for a minute's silence on Thursday night to honour the eight victims - including two Australians - the 11 home players on the field lined up near the centre circle with arms around their team-mates' shoulders.