Paris: French national anthem to be played across EPL matchday 13 fixtures

The French national anthem will be played across This is in solidarity with Franc whose capital city Paris experienced what appeared to be co-ordinated terror attacks.

One minute silence for Paris terrorist attack victims before England Vs France friendly (The FA via Getty Images)

The French national anthem will be played across all English Premier League match venues in the matchday 13.

This is in solidarity with Franc whose capital city Paris experienced what appeared to be co-ordinated terror attacks.

French officials report that 129 people were killed and a about 100 in a critical condition including three fatalities outside the Stade de France.

Premier League executive chairman Richard Scudamore says national anthem will played across EPL venues in matchday 13 in solidarity with victims of terrorist attacks in Paris (Getty Images Europe)

There are 72 French players at top-flight clubs, the biggest number from a single nationality after England, and a choral version of La Marseillaise (France national anthem) will be played after the coin toss, with players from both teams joining officials in the centre circle facing the main stand.

The move follows England and France fans joining together to sing La Marseillaise at Wembley before the international friendly to remember the 129 people who were killed in the attack.

Manchester United boss Louis Van Gaal says the gesture is important for the relatives of the victims (Reuters)

The move from Premier League organisers have been welcomed by a host of EPL managers.

Arsenal manager, Arsene Wenger called it a ‘nice gesture of solidarity while Everton manager Roberto Martinez added that “it was a fantastic vehicle for showing solidarity and what the game of football can do.”

Arsene Wenger supports the plan for the French national anthem to be played across all EPL venues this weekend (Omni Sport)

Southampton manager Ronald Koeman says the gesture is a good and important show of support.

“We have around 70 French players in the Premier League and it would be good support for them. It happened in France but it could happen anywhere. What happened was unbelievable,” Koeman says.

Southampton boss Ronald Koeman says the gesture is an important show of support

Manchester United boss Louis Van Gaal backed the plan saying; “It's nice for the French people and the relatives of the victims.”

The Football League have given clubs the option of playing La Marseillaise and holding a minute’s silence at Championship, League One and League Two games.

Premier League and Football League clubs have also taken guidance from the Joint Terrorism Analysis Centre and the National Counter Terrorism Security Office to ensure spectator safety in the fixtures this weekend.