adminLONDON. — England and France’s 92-year-old football rivalry will witness its most solemn chapter at Wembley today when the teams unite in solidarity four days after the Paris terror attacks. Friday’s attacks touched football particularly closely, with three suicide bombers blowing themselves up outside the Stade de France as France played Germany. The cousin of France midfielder Lassana Diarra was one of the 129 people killed, while the sister of his team-mate Antoine Griezmann escaped unhurt from the assault on the Bataclan concert hall.
But the French Football Federation (FFF) insisted that today’s game should go ahead and it is now being seen as an opportunity to put on a united front, with a social media campaign urging England’s fans to join in with the French national anthem, “La Marseillaise”, before kick-off.
“The match will be a serious occasion, but one that shows that the football world is united against these atrocities,” said England manager Roy Hodgson.
“I’m sure the England team and our fans will play their part and show solidarity with our French friends on Tuesday evening and provide support for both teams during this difficult time.” — AFP.
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