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The French national anthem, La Marseillaise, will be played before of all matches in the English Premier League this weekend, League executives said on Thursday.
Richard Scudamore, Premier League Executive Chairman, said it was an act of remembrance and solidarity with France after the Paris attacks.
His statement published on the Premier League’s website reads:
“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.”
A choral version of “La Marseillaise” will be played after the coin toss, with players from both teams coming together with the official and assistants in the centre circle facing the main stand.
There are 72 French players currently in the Premier League, making France the second-most represented nation after England.
May the age of commercial brigandage and unabashed ripoff come to an end quickly. Amen