English football will not stage blanket tributes to mark the 25th anniversary of the September 11 terror attacks this weekend.
The Premier League and EFL are not expected to ask clubs to hold minute’s silences or wear black armbands in memory of the victims of 9/11, including the 67 Britons who were killed.
Friday marks a quarter of a century since terrorists hijacked four passenger planes in the United States, with almost 3,000 people losing their lives.
Two aircraft were flown into New York’s World Trade Centre, another struck the Pentagon and a fourth crashed in Pennsylvania after passengers and crew attempted to regain control.
Despite the significance of the anniversary, the Daily Mail say there are no plans for a coordinated tribute across Premier League and EFL fixtures.
The decision follows changes introduced by English football last year concerning how clubs respond to major international tragedies.
A working group concluded that automatic minute’s silences for disasters and atrocities around the world risked becoming less meaningful because of their increasing frequency.
Under the revised approach, competition-wide commemorations are generally reserved for incidents that have a clear connection to football.
Individual clubs remain free to organise their own tributes if they believe an event carries particular significance for their supporters or communities.
That was the case following last year’s attack on a Manchester synagogue, when Manchester United and Manchester City both observed a period of silence.
The World Events Working Group was established in 2024 to advise the Premier League, EFL and Football Association on responses to sensitive international events.
Its creation followed criticism of the FA’s decision not to illuminate the Wembley arch after the October 7 attacks in Israel in 2023. Wembley had previously been lit in the colours of Ukraine following Russia’s invasion.
LATEST SPORTS NEWS:
- Tiger Woods makes first public appearance since ban from driving
- Joey Barton to stay in jail after having bail denied over golf club 'assault'
- Harry Kane shares thoughts on Ballon d'Or potential after having 'best season so far'
The group’s responsibilities do not cover gestures initiated by players, including taking the knee.
That anti-discrimination gesture is scheduled to return during two designated rounds of Premier League matches this season.
There are no top-flight fixtures taking place on Friday, although West Ham United are due to welcome Wrexham to the London Stadium in the Championship.
English football adopted a different approach when the tenth anniversary of 9/11 was commemorated in 2011.
Minute’s silences were observed before both Premier League fixtures played on that Sunday, while players also wore black armbands.
Most of the British victims died inside the World Trade Centre. One Briton was also aboard one of the two hijacked aircraft that crashed into the Twin Towers.
A comprehensive programme of commemorations is planned across American sport this weekend.
During the NFL’s opening round, the words “Never Forget” will be displayed in end zones and specially branded 9/11 coins will be used for coin tosses. Those coins will subsequently be auctioned to support the league’s September 11 charity partners.
The New York Giants and Dallas Cowboys will also honour first responders, with players, coaches and staff wearing commemorative NYPD, FDNY and PAPD caps.
Major League Baseball will stage tributes of its own when the New York Yankees face the Mets on Friday, with several ceremonies planned before the game.
Our Standards: The GB News Editorial Charter
from GB News https://ift.tt/EXmZ2rp
via IFTTT
Thank you for your message!