Premier League’s response to Paris attacks — there’s nothing wrong in showing unity
Until now, I’ve deliberately avoided commenting too much on the terrorist attacks that occurred in Paris on November 13th, 2015.
I’ve avoided it for a number of reasons — none moreso than how emotional a time it can be in the immediate aftermath, especially given how many ‘unknowns’ there are and with facts still missing or obscured.
For many, it takes circumstances such as these to reflect on their own lives, futures and relationships.
In sport, such reflection typically takes place through a minute of silence. In a cauldron of bubbling noise and enthusiastic fans, a pre-match moment of quiet is a dignified and poignant moment.
Sport also provides an opportunity to show unity, strength and mutual respect.
The midweek football international that saw England host France at Wembley proved perfectly how to handle such events as that which occurred barely a week before.
In his role as President of the English FA, Prince William laid a wreath pitch-side in memory of those who lost their lives in the attacks; so too did managers Roy Hodgson and Didier Deschamps.
As is traditional, the French national anthem was followed by the anthem of England; the difference this time, Le Marseillaise was sung by the entire stadium — followed by a moment of silence.
This all followed on from last weekend’s decision by the Football League to hold a minute’s silence before kick off in their fixtures.
There was some confusion and criticism though this weekend, with the Premier League announcing that all games would have Le Marseillaise played prior to kick off — without a minute silence.
I’ve heard a number of fans openly critical of the decision, including it’s “disrespectful”, “milking” the sympathy and it neutralises the public outcrying and response over the past week.
The playing of Le Marseillaise shows those committing these atrocities that the world is united against them. It shows that by attacking France, they have attacked freedom and — therefore — us all.
It gives strength to the French contingent in the Premier League (the second largest represented nation in England’s top flight) and to the French public.
Further, it provides a dignified moment to reflect on what’s happened — giving the option to stand in silence, or to sing.
However you choose to reflect, take the opportunity to remember all of the lives lost through terrorism, war and other atrocities around the world.
