Silence rings loud as football shows Libya, Morocco disasters solidarity at stadiums

Usually raucous football stadiums across the world observed a moment of silence this weekend in memory of the victims of recent disasters in Libya and Morocco which had claimed thousands of lives.

A moment's silence fell at matches in the English, French, and Spanish top leagues, at the Confederation of African Football's Super Cup, and elsewhere this weekend as a mark of respect for the victims of an earthquake that devastated parts of Morocco and floods that ravaged eastern Libya.

At English Premier League matches, a moment's silence was observed, and players as well as match officials wore black armbands in what the Premier League said was "a sign of respect" for the victims of the disasters. The gestures will be made at matches taking place until Monday, the league said.

Libyan and Moroccan flags were projected on stadium screens during the silence at stadiums.

The French Football Association and the Spanish top flight La Liga announced earlier this week that its matches would feature a minute's silence for the victims. The Spanish league said its La Liga Foundation would be donating to disaster relief for both causes.

Individual teams also made gestures of solidarity.

French top-flight team L’Olympique de Marseille said earlier this week that its players would wear jerseys bearing a message of solidarity for Libya and Morocco during its home game against Toulouse on Sunday.

The club said that the player-worn jerseys will be auctioned off to raise funds for Secours Popular Francais, which has taken part in the emergency response in the two countries.

Fellow French team Nice also wore their solidarity, sporting jerseys that read 'Support for Morocco' during their match against Paris Saint-Germain on Friday.

The CAF Super Cup final was held in the Saudi Arabian city of Taif, where Algerian side USM Alger upset the odds with a 1-0 victory over Egypt's Al-Ahly.

A minute's silence was held and fans in the stadium at the all-North African affair bore signs with messages of support for Libyans and Moroccans.

Similar shows of solidarity have been made at other sporting spectacles, including at the Rugby World Cup. 

A 6.8-magnitude earthquake struck close to the city of Marrakesh on 8 September. The official death toll for the flood is now close to 3,000.

The death toll is also continuing to climb in Libya, where flooding sparked by the powerful Storm Daniel has left tens of thousands dead or displaced.