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?
WHAT EXACTLY HAPPENED IN FRANCE ON FRIDAY?
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.
WHY WAS STADE DE FRANCE TARGETED?
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.
IS ENGLAND VS FRANCE CANCELLED THEN?
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.
Source: www.goal.com/en

Observing

Adek15:
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?
WHAT EXACTLY HAPPENED IN FRANCE ON FRIDAY?
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.
WHY WAS STADE DE FRANCE TARGETED?
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.
IS ENGLAND VS FRANCE CANCELLED THEN?
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.
Source: www.goal.com/en

RIP to the victims.

Bambless1:
Observing

hmm... My brother. Otoju su mi o.. (e tire me o...)

Benzema!

Hmmmm

This world would have been a better place without ISIS and Boko haram.