The Saudi Arabian Football Federation (SAFF) has apologised after its international side snubbed a tribute for victims of the London terror attacks ahead of their game in Adelaide.
In a statement issued in the wake of widespread outrage over the incident, SAFF said it "deeply regrets and unreservedly apologises for any offence caused" by their refusal to observe the minute's silence.
"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," the statement read.
"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."
A spokesperson for Football Federation Australia (FFA) said SAFF had originally agreed to observe the planned tribute, but later sent a follow-up message saying it wouldn't be "in keeping with Saudi culture".
Pictures taken from the stadium show Saudi players walking around aimlessly and stretching as Australia lined up along the centre circle, arms around one another during the minute's silence.
The international side's snub came moments before kick-off in their World Cup Asian Qualifying match with Australia at Adelaide Oval on Thursday night. The Socceroos won the game 3-2.
Speaking to the Sydney Morning Herald, the FFA said the two sides had agreed to the minute's silence days before the game, but Saudi Arabia later pulled out.
"Both the AFC [Asian Football Confederation] and the Saudi team agreed that the minute of silence could be held," they said.
"The FFA was further advised by Saudi team officials that this tradition was not in keeping with Saudi culture and they would move to their side of the field and respect our custom whilst taking their own positions on the field."
The Saudi side's decision has been widely panned by many on social media - with many noting that some of the nation's sports teams have indeed held silent tributes in the past.
The country's most successful football club, Al-Ahli, participated in a minute's silence for the victims of the Chapecoense air disaster in a game against Barcelona last year, while horse polo and handball teams were snapped holding a similar tribute in memory of former Saudi King Abdullah in 2015.
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