Over 100 people died in six terrorist attacks on Friday
in France - so how will the Stade de France bombing
affect the country and its scheduled staging of Euro
2016?
The capital of France was hit by six coordinated terrorist
attacks on Friday, with the death toll having risen to 128 people
and a further 180 injured from the gunfire and explosions.
The Bataclan Concert Hall was the scene of the most
devastating attack, as 80 people were massacred by four
gunmen – all of whom either committed suicide by bomb
detonation or were killed by French security forces.
In addition to four mass shootings at restaurants across Paris,
France's international friendly tie against Germany was
targeted as explosions outside Stade de France killed three
people.
The game continued as most people inside the ground were
unaware of tragic events outside but after the full-time whistle,
fans flooded the pitch to remain safe and players were forced
to stay put until the obvious danger has passed.
ISIS, regarded by many as a terrorist organisation, released a
statement on Saturday claiming responsibility for the attacks in
response to French air strikes on strongholds in parts of Iraq
and Syria.
Their choice of France's 2-0 win over Germany was explained
because of the two nations' history of invading other countries
and the fact that president Francois Hollande was in
attendance.
"Eight armed brothers targeted places well chosen in Paris,"
ISIS said in a statement. "The Stade de France was chosen
because of the game between France and Germany.
"They are two crusader countries and where this dumb
Francois Hollande was."
HOW HAS THE FOOTBALL WORLD REACTED?
As often happens in moments of international tragedy, the
football world has reacted with compassion and sympathy for
the thousands of people affected by the terrorism attacks in
Paris.
Renowned footballers and ex-professionals across the globe
expressed their support for the victims and their loved ones in
Paris.
Among the most high profile names to offer their condolences
on social media channels were Barcelona's Lionel Messi and
Real Madrid's Cristiano Ronaldo.
Paris Saint-Germain expressed their solidarity with local
citizens coming to terms with the profound impact that the
deaths will have on many lives across the capital city.
It looked almost certain that England's friendly against France
on Tuesday was going to be called off as the latter nation
announced three days of national mourning for their departed.
Les Bleus' Clairefontaine training facilities were closed on
Saturday to coaches, players, journalists and supporters, and
sporting events across the capital were cancelled in wake of
the tragic attacks.
However, to the surprise of many, France's football federation
(FFF) confirmed on Saturday that the international match would
go ahead as planned.
It remains to be seen if some players will withdraw if any loved
ones have been injured or traumatised by what happened – for
instance, Antointe Griezmann's sister survived the incident at
Bataclan, though Lassana Diarra's cousin, however, sadly did
not.
Uefa has announced that black armbands will be worn by
players for all European friendlies this week as a mark of
respect for the lost lives in the latest terrorist attack on Paris.
There have been recent terrorism attacks in the country but
this is the first time that a major football match has been
specifically targeted by ISIS.
It only took a few hours before Italy coach Antonio Conte and
defender Leonardo Bonucci publicly lodged their safety
concerns regarding Euro 2016, which is less than a year away.
Although Euro 2016 planning is unlikely to change too
drastically – security measures will already have been a top
priority – there's no doubt that the safety of supporters in
France will now be of even greater concern.
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