The French national anthem will be played ahead of kick-off at Premier League stadiums this weekend as a tribute to victims of the Paris terror attacks.
There will also be a minute’s silence around the grounds and players will wear black armbands to show support for the attack that left 129 people dead.
.A statement from the Premier League confirmed the gesture as a response to last Friday’s terrorist attacks in Paris, which included three explosions outside the France v Germany friendly at the Stade de France.
There are 72 French players at top-flight clubs, the biggest number from a single nationality after England, and a choral version of La Marseillaise will be played after the coin toss, with players from both teams joining officials in the centre circle facing the main stand.
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.”
Clubs will follow guidance from anti-terrorism security agencies – the Joint Terrorism Analysis Centre and the National Counter Terrorism Security Office – to ensure this weekend’s action is played under the safest conditions.
And Scudamore says all clubs are briefed and ready to provide “appropriate security” at this weekend’s fixtures.
He said: “The clubs have been fully briefed in context of the current guidance from national security services and are liaising with their local police forces to ensure the appropriate security and safety measures are in place for their matches and stadiums.”
