Koeman backs plans for Paris attack tributes

Ronald Koeman has backed plans that are in place to commemorate the lives of those who were sadly taken away during the attacks in Paris, France, last Friday night.

The Barclays Premier League has decided to play the French national anthem before the start of each of the league’s games over the coming match-week. This includes Southampton’s clash with Stoke City, which is at St.Mary’s. There is also expected to be a minute’s silence before the games out of respect for the French.

Over 100 people lost their lives on Friday as a number of attacks were carried out across the French capital and the Premier League are very keen to share their condolences with the French and have honorably put this plan in place for the weekend.

When asked during his pre-match press conference what he thought of the decision to play La Marseillaise before Southampton’s match at the weekend, Koeman said this:

I think it’s a good decision to do that because it’s a good support to the friends, nation and I think they need it.

I think it’s an important support and we know we have around 70 French players in the Premier League. It will be a good support to them because it happened in France.

What happened last Friday in Paris was unbelievable. It changed life for everybody. It changed the feeling of living safe. We have to do everything to protect that.