Sporting organisations across the UAE have called a halt to activities after the government announced a three-day mourning period for 45 servicemen killed in Yemen on Friday.
Bodies of Emirati Martyrs arrive home #UAE pic.twitter.com/iTXXXogvmD
— Dubai Media Office (@DXBMediaOffice) September 5, 2015
The UAE is currently locked in a state of grief because of the missile strike from Houthi rebels which struck an ammunition depot. Dubai Sports Council, Sharjah Sports Council and the UAE Rugby Federation were among those to cease all domestic action as a sign of respect, while yesterday’s trio of Arabian Gulf Cup matches were postponed indefinitely.
“The Pro League Committee has decided to postpone the second day of the second round of Arabian Gulf Cup matches,” the Arabian Gulf League’s official Twitter account stated. “A new date will be determined at a later time.”
These fixtures included Emirates Club hosting Al Dhafra, Al Wahda travelling to Dibba Al Fujairah and Al Shaab playing 2013/14 champions Al Ahli.
Armed forces are currently engaged as part of the Saudi-led Arab coalition in support of the legitimate Yemeni government. An investigation into what caused the incident is set to be conducted in the coming days.
The UAE senior football team are currently in Jordan as they prepare for Tuesday’s 2018 World Cup qualifier at Palestine. Several members of the squad used Twitter and Instagram to pay respect.
My condolences to all the families of soldiers who lost their lives defending and honoring this country. pic.twitter.com/3cb5XVrk23
— Graffa23 (@Graffa23) September 5, 2015
“Oh nation, we sacrifice our lives for you,” Al Jazira defensive midfielder Khamis Esmail said. “There are no words to do our heroes justice.
“I don’t know whether to be sad for the lives we’ve lost, or happy about our heroes who have filled us with pride. May they rest in peace.” Al Ain superstar Omar Abdulrahman expressed his sadness with a call for “mercy” to be shown to the martyrs.
He said: “In their childhood, they sang loudly, oh nation, we sacrifice our lives for you. And here they are today, they gave their lives and shed their blood for the sake of religion and the nation.
“Oh God, have mercy on our martyrs.”
My condolences to UAE people!
— Zlatko Dalic (@DalicZlatko) September 5, 2015
The upset was not just confined to Emiratis. Al Ain boss Zlatko Dalic was quick to show solidarity.
“My condolences to UAE people,” the Croatian tweeted.
Former captain Grafite spent four successful years with Al Ahli before his winter exit to Qatar’s Al Sadd. He showed his support for “a country which I learned to love and respect”.
“My condolences to all the families of soldiers who lost their lives defending and honoring this country,” the current Santa Cruz man said.
“This is a country which I learned to love and respect. I ask God to comfort your family and friends.” Competitve sport and sports-related events are currently set to restart in the UAE on Tuesday.
