Wembley arch to be lit for football and entertainment events only, reports suggest
The arch will no longer light up for geopolitical issues or diversity and inclusion events after controversy surrounding the decision to not light it in support of Israel.
Wembley had previously lit up in support of Ukraine, France and the LGBTQ+ community.
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Wembley Stadium’s famous arch will only be lit for football and entertainment events following criticism of the FA’s inconsistent approach, reports are suggesting.
According to the Press Association, the arch will reportedly no longer light up for geopolitical issues or diversity and inclusion events after controversy surrounding the decision to not light it in support of Israel last month.
After the Hamas attack on 7 October, Wembley paid tribute to victims of the conflict with a period of silence but didn’t light the arch amid concerns of taking sides, insisting they acted on “expert advice”.
England manager Gareth Southgate said the FA “tried to make the best decision with good intentions”, when talking about the controversy leading up to the game.
Wembley had previously lit up in 2022 in support of Ukraine, in 2015 it showed the French “tricolore” in solidarity with victims of terror attacks and it has displayed the rainbow colours to champion LGBTQ+ communities.
In 2015 the arch lit up in the French “tricolore” in solidarity with victims of terror attacks. CREDIT: ASSOCIATED PRESS
Speaking at Leaders Week in Twickenham Stadium last month, FA’s chief executive Mark Bullingham said: “I recognise that our decision caused hurt to the Jewish community, who felt that we should have lit the arch and that we should have shown stronger support for them.”
“This was one of the hardest decisions we’ve had to make and the last thing we ever wanted to do in this situation was to add to the hurt.”
The FA has reportedly stated it is still keen to use its influence to support a range of campaigns, in different more meaningful ways.
The body was criticised by Lucy Frazer, the Secretary of State for Culture, Media and Sport, who called the decision: “especially disappointing in light of the FA’s bold stance on other terrorist attacks in the recent past.”
The arch may still be lit up for exceptional circumstances and celebrations such as a royal coronation or periods of national mourning.
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HeadlineWembley arch to be lit for football and entertainment events only, reports suggest
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StandfirstThe arch will no longer light up for geopolitical issues or diversity and inclusion events after controversy surrounding the decision to not light it in support of Israel.
Wembley Stadium’s famous arch will only be lit for football and entertainment events following criticism of the FA’s inconsistent approach, reports are suggesting.
According to the Press Association, the arch will reportedly no longer light up for geopolitical issues or diversity and inclusion events after controversy surrounding the decision to not light it in support of Israel last month.
After the Hamas attack on 7 October, Wembley paid tribute to victims of the conflict with a period of silence but didn’t light the arch amid concerns of taking sides, insisting they acted on “expert advice”.
England manager Gareth Southgate said the FA “tried to make the best decision with good intentions”, when talking about the controversy leading up to the game.
Wembley had previously lit up in 2022 in support of Ukraine, in 2015 it showed the French “tricolore” in solidarity with victims of terror attacks and it has displayed the rainbow colours to champion LGBTQ+ communities.
In 2015 the arch lit up in the French “tricolore” in solidarity with victims of terror attacks. CREDIT: ASSOCIATED PRESS
Speaking at Leaders Week in Twickenham Stadium last month, FA’s chief executive Mark Bullingham said: “I recognise that our decision caused hurt to the Jewish community, who felt that we should have lit the arch and that we should have shown stronger support for them.”
“This was one of the hardest decisions we’ve had to make and the last thing we ever wanted to do in this situation was to add to the hurt.”
The FA has reportedly stated it is still keen to use its influence to support a range of campaigns, in different more meaningful ways.
The body was criticised by Lucy Frazer, the Secretary of State for Culture, Media and Sport, who called the decision: “especially disappointing in light of the FA’s bold stance on other terrorist attacks in the recent past.”
The arch may still be lit up for exceptional circumstances and celebrations such as a royal coronation or periods of national mourning.
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