Rivalries were put aside on Saturday at Bramall Lane, as Sheffield United and Manchester United came together to pay their respects to the innocent victims of the crisis in Israel and Gaza.
A touching moment of silence was observed before the match began, and was well received by the usually rapturous fans.
Players, managers, and match officials also donned black armbands as part of the tribute.
The Premier League released a statement announcing the tribute on 12 October, saying: “The Premier League is shocked and saddened by the escalating crisis in Israel and Gaza, and strongly condemns the horrific and brutal acts of violence against innocent victims.
“We hope for peace, and our heartfelt sympathies are with the victims, their families and the communities impacted.”
The announcement was met with considerable backlash, particularly from the Jewish community, directed towards the Football Association for their attempt at political neutrality.
Rabbi Alex Goldberg, who has worked with the FA as chairman of Faith in Football for over 20 years, resigned last week following the FA’s refusal to light the Wembley arch up in blue and white for Israel.
Rabbi Goldberg said: “I feel I can better express my profound disappointment in the FA’s decision not to have a specific tribute during the upcoming matches against Australia and Italy at Wembley Stadium to the victims of the worse single atrocity committed against Jewish targets since the Shoah.”
He described the moment of silence and black armbands as “a form of moral equivalence which is just not appropriate this week.”
Earlier this week, the Premier League also advised clubs to prohibit Israel and Palestine flags at matches.
Premier League teams will continue with their tributes to the innocent victims in Israel and Gaza until Monday.