Sporting patriotism was forgotten at London’s Wembley Stadium for an emotionally charged friendly match between France and England on Wednesday (AEST).
French national anthem, La Marseillaise, rang out through the 80,000-strong crowd, with even opposition fans joining the rousing rendition.
English fans also formed a mosaic in the colours of the Tricolore, France’s flag, in the build-up to the match.
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Players then joined arms, before a moment of silence to remember the 129 people killed in attacks in Paris on Friday.
Terrorists attacked six locations in France, including Stade de France, where a friendly between France and Germany was being played.
“It will be hard for the players, of course, and particularly for [Antoine] Griezmann, whose sister was at the concert hall, and Lass[ana Diarra] of course,” fan Julien Bétaz, from Pas-de-Calais, told The Guardian.
“He lost close family, so for him it will be difficult and a night full of emotion. But, for the outside world, it is important this game is played. It is not about the football. It is about the gesture.”
See video of the French anthem and pictures below
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