England and France pay tribute to Paris victims

LONDON, England (Kurdistan24) – During an International friendly match between England and France at Wembley Stadium, London, on Tuesday, the two teams paid tribute to the 129 people killed in the Paris attacks on November 13.

Over 70,000 fans at Wembley Stadium, along with players and staff from both sides, joined in to sing the French national anthem—La Marseillaise.

Prince William, accompanied by England coach Roy Hodgson and France coach Didier Deschamps laid flowers on the side of the pitch before the match in honor of those who lost their lives.

After a moment of silence, the match was underway and England players Deli Alli and Wayne Rooney scored in either half to complete a 2-0 victory for England ahead of their Euro 2016 campaign which France will be hosting in the summer.

Noel le Graet, the President of the France Football Federation, turned down the opportunity to cancel Wednesday’s match insisting that it would have “massive global significance” if it went on.

Deschamps said after the match, “There was a sporting meaning and a sporting dimension, but on a human level the match had far greater importance.”

England captain Rooney added, “Football is a global game and, as Didier Deschamps said yesterday, it is not about religion or race. We need to stand tall together in these tough times.”