Premier League teams to pay tribute to Paris terror victims with La Marseillaise

THE Premier League's close affinity with France will be recognised this weekend with fans once again encouraged to join a choral version of La Marseillaise prior to the kick-off in all this weekend's games.

 

A rousing rendition of the French national anthem when France played England at Wembley honoured the 129 people who died in the shameful atrocities committed in Paris on Friday night.

Now the Premier League have decided to give a wider cross-section of supporters the chance to pay their respects.

There are 72 French-born players in the Premier League, making France the second-most represented nation after England.

 

Premier League executive chairman Richard Scudamore said: "Given how close we are as well as the long-standing relationship that exists between the Premier League and France, playing La Marseillaise as an act of solidarity and remembrance is the right thing to do.

"We were all saddened and deeply shocked by the events in Paris last Friday, and the fact it was an attack on people enjoying their everyday freedoms like going to a bar, a concert or a football match resonates with football fans and the general public throughout the UK."

Southampton, Stoke, Everton, WBA and Stoke are the only four clubs not to have a French-born member of the first team, but the same ceremony will still take place nevertheless when the first names on that list meet at St Mary's on Saturday.

 

After Wembley paid tribute on Tuesday, English football will pay its respects to Paris' vicitms

 

Players and fans alike mixed to show solidarity between the nations

Meanwhile, Aston Villa boss Remi Garde has revealed his anguish at hearing his daughter had been caught up in the Paris atrocities.

The Frenchman's daughter had made a trip to the capital unbeknown to him, and Garde said: "It was very worrying. We didn't know too much for a while.

"I learned that she was in Paris and I was a bit scared. We were obviously really relieved to discover she was okay.

"But while knowing your family is safe is good, it doesn't mean you can just forget about everything that has happened. You still feel for all the people who have been affected by the terrible situation."