Their opponents from Saudi Arabia stayed on the other side, most seemingly ignoring the gesture, which sparked an immediate backlash. Video appeared to show one Saudi player bending down to tie his shoelace during the silence.

The Saudi federation statement said it "deeply regrets and unreservedly apologises for any offence caused".

"The players did not intend any disrespect to the memories of the victims or to cause upset to their families, friends or any individual affected by the atrocity.

"The Saudi Arabian Football Federation condemns all acts of terrorism and extremism and extends its sincerest condolences to the families of all the victims."

Australia won the match 3-2 to move level on points with Saudi Arabia and Japan at the top of the qualifying group with two games remaining.

Football Federation Australia said the Saudi team management knew about the plan to hold a minute's silence before the match and had indicated that the players would not participate.

"Both the (Asian Football Confederation) and the Saudi team agreed that the minute of silence could be held," the FFA said in a statement.

"The FFA was further advised by Saudi team officials that this tradition was not in keeping with Saudi culture and they would move to their side of the field and respect our custom whilst taking their own positions on the field."

Australian prime minister Malcolm Turnbull said: "The whole world, the whole free world, is united in condemnation of that terrorist attack and terrorism generally.

"Everybody, everyone should be united in condemnation with the terrorists, and love and sympathy and respect for the victims and their families."

Senior Australian Labour politician Anthony Albanese described it as "a disgraceful lack of respect".

"There is no excuse here. This isn't about culture," he said. "This is about a lack of respect."

- AP