French sporting fraternity honours victims of the Paris terror attacks

A minute’s silence will be observed ahead of all French football, rugby and basketball matches this weekend as the world of sport moved to honour the 12 victims of the Charlie Hebdo attack on Thursday. The tribute was observed during the Ligue 1 match between Lille and Evian yesterday night followed by an emotional rendition of La Marseillaise, the French national anthem, as players of both teams wore black armbands.

France's professional football league said that a minute's silence will also be observed at all Ligue 1 and Ligue 2 matches this weekend. "Following the terrible attack yesterday at Charlie Hebdo, the French Football Federation has decided to observe a minute's silence on all pitches of the Hexagon (France) this weekend, during national, regional and district competitions. The entire family of French football joins the general spirit of solidarity and affirms its support for the families of the victims," the FFF said in a statement.