They were missing. Two players from Spanish club Villarreal did not take part in a minute of silence in memory of Israeli victims of the war between Israel and Hamas during a Europa League match Thursday evening against Maccabi Haifa.
Haifa had wanted to pay tribute to the Israeli victims before this meeting of Group F, relocated to Larnaca, Cyprus, due to the war. Spanish leaders had warned their adversary that they would observe this minute of silence in tribute to all the innocent victims of the conflict, and not just the Israelis, according to the Spanish daily AS.
In the photo, however, two players from the “yellow submarine” were missing. Of Muslim faith, the Algerian Aïssa Mandi and the Spaniard, born of Moroccan parents, and Ilias Akhomach did not take part. They only entered the pitch for the kick-off of the match.
Strict security measures
This took place behind closed doors and with strict security measures, indicates RMC Sport. Villarreal eventually won 2-1 with goals from Álex Baena and Alexander Sørloth.
The first leg which was to oppose the two teams in Spain on October 19 had been postponed due to the war. It will take place on October 6.
In the other group match, Stade Rennais beat Panathinaikos (3-1) on Thursday and retains first place in the group ahead of Villarreal.
