Paris terrorist attack: England vs France to go ahead after discussions between the FA and FFF following tragic attacks in France
The game is due to take place at Wembley Stadium on Tuesday night
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Your support makes all the difference.England’s international friendly with France scheduled for Tuesday night is set to go ahead despite the shocking attacks in Paris on Friday night, the French Football Federation has confirmed.
All professional sport in France has been postponed this weekend, including the opening weekend of the European Rugby Champions Cup, while a minute’s silence will be held at all Football League fixtures held in the United Kingdom.
It initially appeared that the Wembley fixture between England and France would be cancelled, given that the French team were caught up in one of the attacks after an explosion at the Stade de France during the match against Germany left three people dead.
However, talks between the Football Association and the French Football Federation led to senior French sports journalists reporting that the game will go ahead as planned unless there are significant objections from playing staff or coaches, and the FFF confirmed on Saturday afternoon that the match will be played on Tuesday night.
"President Noel Le Graet confirmed on Saturday that the match between England and France scheduled for Tuesday November 17 (8pm local time) at Wembley will still take place," a FFF statement confirmed.
One French rugby side will still play their European Champions Cup match today as Toulouse face Saracens at Allianz Park in Barnet, and it suggests that sporting events in the United Kingdom will go ahead as planned despite the cancellations across the Channel.
The FFF cancelled an open training session and press conference that was due to take place today, and instead they went through a light training session as the club’s camp in Clairefontaine.
An earlier statement issued by FFF president Le Graet said: "The French Football Federation shares the emotion that shakes the nation following the tragic events of Friday in Paris and around the Stade de France.
"The FFF shares the grief of the bereaved families and relatives."
Three people were killed and many more mounded after an explosion at one of the gates entering the Stade de France, with more than 120 left dead across Paris after a series of attacks.
There was an explosion at the entrance of the J door causing three deaths and some wounded
The loud explosions were clearly heard during the match, and the players visibly reacted to the shocking events at they appeared stunned on the pitch and unsure whether to play on. The game was not abandoned though, and France went on to win 2-0 before both squads and the fans in attendance were held in the stadium until it was safe to leave.
“The evening was spoiled by the events around the Stade de France,” Le Graet added. “There was an explosion at the entrance of the J door causing three deaths and some wounded.”
The FA sent out three messages on Twitter to send their condolences to the relatives and friends of the victims, and stressed that an announcement would be made “in due course” regarding Thursday’s match.
“The FA sends its deep condolences to the victims of the Paris attacks. This is clearly a very serious and tragic matter,” said the FA.
“Regarding Tuesday's match with France at Wembley, if there is any update The FA will announce it in due course.
“To say anything further would be inappropriate at this time. We will liaise with the French Federation in due course and update accordingly.”
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