Following the murder of two Jewish people Thursday in an attack outside a synagogue in Manchester in the United Kingdom, two local soccer teams, Manchester City and Manchester United, issued condolence statements — but neither message mentioned that the attack took place at a synagogue during Yom Kippur services or that the victims were Jewish.
“We are shocked and saddened by the tragic events that took place in Manchester this morning,” City said in a statement. Manchester United wrote: “Everyone at Manchester United’s thoughts are with the victims of today’s tragic events in north Manchester, and we send our support to all those affected.”
Many readers criticized the clubs’ wording. “Thanks — but what stopped you from mentioning Jews and a synagogue?” one wrote. Another put it more bluntly: “Are you joking? Say it out loud. You won’t hurt anyone. Say exactly what happened. There probably won’t even be a minute’s silence on Saturday because there will be those who won’t respect it.”