The Australian soccer federation, known as FFA, said after the match that the Saudis knew about the plan to hold a minute's silence before Thursday's World Cup qualifying match but declined to participate.
"Both the (Asian Football Confederation) and the Saudi team agreed that the minute of silence could be held," the Australian federation said, according to the Sydney Morning Herald.
"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.
The Saudi team was immediately criticised on social media, with bewildered supporters calling on Fifa to take action on the national team.
"I hope Fifa call out Saudi Arabia on the clear lack of respect shown prior to kick-off," wrote one user. "Not participating in the minute's silence is disgusting."