Israel flag spotted inside Wembley despite police ban after they had promised to step up their security effort for England’s clash with Australia amid ongoing conflict between the Middle East nation and Palestine

• There were fears England’s match with Australia could be marred by fan unrest  
• Police stepped up security efforts to confiscate Israel and Palestine flags
• However, an Israel flag was spotted inside Wembley Stadium on Friday night

An Israel flag was held up at Wembley during England’s friendly match with Australia, despite police stepping up their security efforts as they braced for unrest over the conflict between Israel and Palestine.

Mail Sport were told prior to Friday’s match that officers would arrest anyone expressing support for Hamas, Hezbollah or other terrorist organisations, and would work with stewards to confiscate any flags, shirts and scarves representing countries other than England and Australia.

Ahead of the game, officers were seen out in force as they looked to put a stop to any unwanted demonstrations near the home of English football.

However, the clampdown did not prevent one Israel flag getting into the stadium, as it was held up by a fan.

The image shows security approaching the man with the flag, but it is currently unknown as to whether he was arrested for his actions. 

An Israel flag was spotted inside Wembley on Friday night, with security pictured approaching the man holding up the flag

The Met Police deployed additional officers to Wembley for Friday night’s England vs Australia friendly amid fears the event could be targeted by protesters 

Earlier in the day, the Rabbi who is the chair of the FA’s Faith in Football group resigned from his post over the governing body’s refusal to light up the Wembley arch in Israel’s colours as a show of support.

Other landmarks across Europe have previously been illuminated in such fashion with 10 Downing Street and the Eiffel Tower some of the landmarks to do so.

However, the FA announced the famous arch at England’s home stadium would not be lit up for the Three Lions’ clash with Australia despite the ongoing Israel-Hamas war that has seen more than 1,200 people killed in Israel after a series of attacks launched by the Palestinian militant group.

An expression of support for Palestine and flying the flag is not a criminal offence, though, so arrests at the venue will only be made if individuals are perceived as endorsing terrorism.

The FA moved to ban all flags, shirts and scarves for both the Australia game and Tuesday’s Euro 2024 qualifier against Italy however, although questions have been raised over how strictly this will be enforced. 

Police and stewards vowed to confiscate any flags, shirts and scarves representing countries other than England and Australia

The Wembley arch was not lit up on Friday night, as the FA opted not to light it up in the colours of the Israel flag

Players and fans observed a minute’s silence ahead of kick-off for the victims of the conflict between Israel and Palestine

With the FA’s announcement only being made on Thursday there has been no time to recruit additional stewards so enforcement will require the support of the police.

A minute’s silence was held before kick-off with players from both side’s wearing black armbands to pay tribute to the victims of the conflict.

‘On Friday evening, we will remember the innocent victims of the devastating events in Israel and Palestine,’ the FA said in a statement released on Thursday. 

‘Our thoughts are with them, and their families and friends in England and Australia and with all the communities who are affected by this ongoing conflict. We stand for humanity and an end to the death, violence, fear and suffering.’

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