French national anthem 'La Marseillaise' to be played at Premier League games

The Premier League has confirmed that French national anthem 'La Marseillaise' will be played before every match this weekend.

The decision has been taken to show "solidarity" with France in the wake of last Friday's terrorist attacks in Paris that claimed the lives of at least 129 people.

"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," Premier League chairman Richard Scudamore said in a statement.

"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."

There are 72 French players currently plying their trade in England's top flight.