On night of violence in Paris, France beats Germany 2-0
People leave the Stade de France stadium after the international friendly soccer France against Germany, Friday, Nov. 13, 2015 in Saint Denis, outside Paris. Two police officials say at least 11 people have been killed in shootouts and other violence around Paris. Police have reported shootouts in at least two restaurants in Paris. At least two explosions have been heard near the Stade de France stadium, and French media is reporting of a hostage-taking in the capital. (AP Photo/Michel Euler)
PARIS — On a night of terrifying violence in Paris with two explosions going off outside the stadium, France beat Germany 2-0 Friday in a game overshadowed by the events around the city.
The explosions could be heard inside the Stade de France as they went off nearby in the first half. Police said dozens have been killed in shootings and explosions around Paris, but the match was not halted.
Article continues after this advertisementFans remained inside the stadium after the final whistle, then went on the field as news of the violence spread and the sound of wailing sirens could be heard outside.
Olivier Giroud and substitute Andre-Pierre Gignac scored a goal each in the friendly match.
After the final whistle, hundreds of fans streamed onto the field as the stadium announcer told them which exits to use. But more and more walked onto the grass, reluctant to go outside as news poured in of a shocking night of violence.
Article continues after this advertisementMore than 30 minutes after the game, there were about 2,000 fans on the field as the stadium announcer reassured them that it was safe to leave and use public transport as usual, and directed them to which exit gates they could use. The atmosphere was calm but they were slow to filter out.
In the morning, the German team was evacuated from its team hotel in western Paris following a bomb scare, spending a few hours down the road at Roland Garros, the home of the French Open.
In what might have been a chilling coincidence, two loud explosions were heard outside Stade de France just minutes apart midway through the first half, followed by the sounds of wailing police sirens.
The atmosphere during the match was increasingly muted and a sickening feeling seemed to have already gripped the fans.
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