France’s football match in England to push through despite attacks
Spectators head towards the pitch of the Stade de France stadium at the end of the international friendly soccer match between France and Germany in Saint Denis, outside Paris, Friday, Nov. 13, 2015. Hundreds of people spilled onto the field after explosions were heard nearby. AP
PARIS — The soccer game between England and France in London will go ahead as planned on Tuesday, despite major concerns over safety following the deadly attacks in Paris.
The French Football Federation announced the decision on its website Saturday shortly before the English FA also released a statement.
“After consulting this morning with the French Football Federation and the British Government, we have decided together that the match between our two countries at Wembley Stadium on Tuesday night should go ahead,” FA chairman Greg Dyke said. “We will use the opportunity to pay our respects to all affected and also to express our solidarity with the people of France.”
The FA statement also says that the FFF “made it clear they still wish to play.”
France beat Germany 2-0 in another friendly on Friday at the Stade de France but the game which was overshadowed by the events around the city.
There were two explosions outside the stadium itself during the first half and French President Francois Hollande, who was there watching the game, was evacuated and immediately held an emergency meeting.
France forward Antoine Griezmann said his sister was in the audience at a concert at the Bataclan hall in Paris, where dozens were killed after a hostage taking.
The Atletico Madrid striker wrote on Twitter: “Thank God my sister was able to leave the Bataclan. All my prayers are now with the families of the victims.”
Girezmann was playing at the Stade de France on Friday night. Media events scheduled for Saturday at France’s training camp in Clairefontaine have been canceled.
At least 127 people have died in shootings at Paris cafes, suicide bombings near France’s national stadium and the massacre inside the Bataclan, where the Eagles of Death Metal were performing.
