WE WON’T LET TERROR WIN
France friendly will go on at Wembley... and UEFA insist Euros will not be derailed
ENGLAND’S friendly against France will go ahead at Wembley on Tuesday night in a gesture of solidarity following the death of 129 people in the Paris terrorist attacks on Friday night.
The Stade de France, where President Francois Hollande was among those watching his country play Germany, was a target. But the French Football Federation told the FA yesterday of their determination to go ahead with the fixture.
France midfielder Lassana Diarra, who played on Friday night, confirmed that his cousin was among the victims.
Three people died at the stadium, including two suicide bombers. Reports last night suggested one of the terrorists had a ticket to the game and blew himself up when security staff frisked him and discovered he was wearing a vest packed with explosives and bolts.
There will be extra security at the Wembley game, for which 76,000 tickets have been sold. England fans will be encouraged to sing along to the French national anthem, La Marseillaise, in a gesture of support.
England manager Roy Hodgson said: ‘It will be a serious occasion but one that shows the football world is united against these atrocities. I’m sure the England team and our fans will play their part and show solidarity with our French friends and provide support for both teams during this difficult time.’
FA chairman Greg Dyke added: ‘We will use the opportunity to pay our respects to all affected and also to express our solidarity with the people of France.’
Despite increased fears surrounding security at the Euro 2016 draw in Paris next month and the tournament itself in France next summer, Euro 2016 president Jacques Lambert said: ‘To ask the question whether Euro 2016 should be cancelled is to do the work of the terrorists. The level of risk has again gone up. There’s no reason to relax the plan to deal with terrorism between now and the tournament.’
England players watched the news unfold in their Benidorm hotel following their 2-0 loss to Spain before flying home yesterday.
The French team spent the night in the Stade de France, leaving at just before 3am. Winger Antoine Griezmann, who played in the game, later revealed that his sister was one of the survivors of the Bataclan theatre attack. The German team stayed in the stadium all night rather than return to their hotel.
Diarra last night paid tribute to his cousin Asta Diakite, saying: ‘She was my guide and my support, like a big sister. In this climate of terror it is important for all of us who represent our country and its diversity to stay united against horror, which has no colour, no religion.
‘Stand together, for love respect and peace.’