A view of the entrance of the Ataturk international airport after two suicide bombers opened fire before blowing themselves up at the entrance in Istanbul, Turkey on June 28, 2016. PHOTO: REUTERS
Three suspected Islamic State suicide bombers opened fire and blew themselves up in Istanbul’s main airport, killing 41 people and wounding 239. Even though Turkey participated in the tournament in France, they were eliminated after coming in third place in their group, without enough points to progress to the round of 16.
It was previously expected that UEFA would stage a show of support in the upcoming matches because the football governing body allowed all European nations playing the week after last November’s terror attacks in Paris to wear black armbands and hold a minute of silence before kickoff in honour of the victims.
Istanbul airport attack: IS prime suspect after suicide bombers kill 41
At that time, UEFA issued the following statement: “UEFA wishes to express its support and solidarity to France and to those affected by these horrible acts.”
However, UEFA yesterday stated that it holds minute’s silence when tragedies are “related to football directly, or to one of the participating teams or host country.”
UEFA says it holds minute's silence when tragedies are "related to football directly, or to one of the participating teams or host country"
— Rob Harris (@RobHarris) June 29, 2016
US condemns 'heinous' Istanbul attack, pledges support for Turkey
Over the next four days, four quarter-final matches will take place, however, none of them will acknowledge the victims of terrorist attack in Istanbul earlier this week.
This article originally appeared on Russia Today
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