UEFA to hold minute’s silence before games for Paris attacks

Spectators invade the pitch of the Stade de France stadium after the international friendly soccer France against Germany, Friday, Nov. 13, 2015 in Saint Denis, outside Paris. Multiple fatal attacks throughout the city have prompted President Francois Hollande to announce he was closing the country’s borders and declaring a state of emergency. AP

LONDON — UEFA says all teams playing in European internationals in the next week will wear black armbands, with a minute’s silence held before kickoff in honor of the victims of the Paris attacks.

“UEFA… wishes to express its support and solidarity to France and to those affected by these horrible acts,” the organization said in a separate statement after attacks Friday night around Paris, including outside the Stade de France where France was playing Germany in a friendly.

The remaining playoff matches for next year’s European Championship in France were set to be played as scheduled, while the English Football Association says it will speak to its French counterpart about the status of Tuesday’s friendly between England and France at Wembley Stadium in London.

The FA said on Twitter it “will liaise with the French Federation in due course and update accordingly.”

Meanwhile, suspended UEFA president Michel Platini, who is French, said on Saturday he was “distraught” by the attacks.

“I would like to express my deep sorrow and profound indignation at such acts of blind barbarity,” Platini said in a statement.

“I would also like to offer my condolences to the families of the victims and I hope for a prompt recovery to the wounded.”