London Bridge terror attack: Saudi Arabian FA issue grovelling apology after players failed to observe minute’s silence

SAUDI ARABIA’S FA has apologised for their players snubbing a tribute to the victims of the London Bridge terror attack.

The team sparked international outrage after failing to observe a minute’s silence before a World Cup qualifier against Australia.

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Officials had already briefed their Australian counterparts that they would not take part as it was not a part of Saudi culture.

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But after receiving heavy criticism, the Saudi Arabian Football Federation issued a grovelling apology.

A statement said: “The Saudi Arabian Football Federation deeply regrets and unreservedly apologises for any offence caused by the failure of some members of the representative team of the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia to formally observe the one minute’s silence in memory of the victims of the London terrorist attack on June 3 2017, prior to the World Cup qualifying match against Australia in Adelaide.

“The players did not intend any disrespect to the memories of the victims or to cause upset to their families, friends or any individual affected by the atrocity.

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“The Saudi Arabian Football Federation condemns all acts of terrorism and extremism and extends its sincerest condolences to the families of all the victims and to the government and people of the United Kingdom.”

Australia beat their rivals 3-2 in Adelaide with the result overshadowed by the unfortunate scenes before kick-off.