French national anthem to be played before Saturday's game

[Toomer]

I really don't think playing the french national anthem is appropriate or necessary . I would much prefer to show my respect to the victims of Friday's attacks in Paris by standing in quiet reflection for 1 minute's silence , as we do for any other occasion when we want to remember someone who has passed away or to mark any other sombre event . Considering that we don't ever play OUR OWN national anthem , it just doesn't feel right to stand for someone else's :-/ ...

I think the PL have made an error in thinking that is how football fans want to pay their respects.

I absolutely think we need to mark the occasion and show a collective comraderie with our neighbours but a minute's silence would be a much better way to do it ...........IMHO obviously

 

Agree with this 100% a minute's silence would be a much better way to mark the sad and tragic loss of life.

[Special K]

IMHO it seems unnecessary and over the top. The respect shown on Tuesday was enough and was entirely relevant as the national team was playing the France national team. This just seems slightly desperate from the Premier League, almost as if they are just wanting to show that they "care" more than anything else. It's not wrong, but to me using domestic football matches to parade the Premier League's vanity is a bit false.

[shurlock]

This gets tiresome. Fact you can't comprehend the difference in impact of something happening in a western city on our doorstep and other atrocities. Frankly embarrassing point.

Hey more people died in childbirth in Africa since the Paris attacks why don't people care about that? Fckin hipsters

 

The fact that the attacks were aimed at a football match, if not the values behind it, does bring a special poignancy and connection which in no way devalues other tragedies or implies one life is more important than another.

[benjii]

This gets tiresome. Fact you can't comprehend the difference in impact of something happening in a western city on our doorstep and other atrocities. Frankly embarrassing point.

Hey more people died in childbirth in Africa since the Paris attacks why don't people care about that? Fckin hipsters

 

So what's the criteria?

 

It smacks to me of a mawkish desire to be seen to do something coupled with, frankly, fear. As you correctly say, we are only doing this because it was relatively close to home - so we are acknowledging its impact. The best message is to just carry on without this pompous grandstanding.

 

And your point about childbirth, despite it being made fatuously, is a very good one. That is something the world could do a lot about fairly easily. Stopping a handful of nutters with guns is virtually impossible. So despite couching your post in block-headed and obnoxious tones you are quite right.

 

And if we absolutely must indulge in some sort of tokenism pre-match then let's do something sensible. Not play a song that no one understand and is, itself, a bloodthirsty call to arms of which ISIS would be proud.

[Wurzel]

Maybe a simultaneous across-all-grounds rendition of "Stand up if you hate ISIS" would be more appropriate.

Certainly easier for the majority to join in with

[Hatch]

Maybe a simultaneous across-all-grounds rendition of "Stand up if you hate ISIS" would be more appropriate.

Certainly easier for the majority to join in with

 

 

Then beat up any dodgy looking characters that don't join in.

[Junior Mullet]

The Premier League is a worldwide product. That is why they are doing this. I agree, it seems weird and over the top to most of us but it's not meant for us. It's directed at the rest of the world.

[simo]

I wonder how Wanyama will feel after nothing was done for the 147 Kenyans that were killed , if I was him id be a bit peeved!

[whelk]

So what's the criteria?

 

It smacks to me of a mawkish desire to be seen to do something coupled with, frankly, fear. As you correctly say, we are only doing this because it was relatively close to home - so we are acknowledging its impact. The best message is to just carry on without this pompous grandstanding.

 

And your point about childbirth, despite it being made fatuously, is a very good one. That is something the world could do a lot about fairly easily. Stopping a handful of nutters with guns is virtually impossible. So despite couching your post in block-headed and obnoxious tones you are quite right.

 

And if we absolutely must indulge in some sort of tokenism pre-match then let's do something sensible. Not play a song that no one understand and is, itself, a bloodthirsty call to arms of which ISIS would be proud.

 

I haven't got a criteria and do not support playing the anthem at all.

 

But people who perhaps like you want to be seen as some intellectual thinker who is smarter than the masses hence feels they can relate to what happens in Lebanon cos hey most people won't visited there irritates me. What goes on there doesn't have the same resonance as what happens in Paris where presumably most people have visited and sat in same cafes and that is obvious to most people.

 

Re obnoxious tones - sorry but people like you bring it out in me. Btw is grandstanding the new forum buzzword?

[whelk]

I wonder how Wanyama will feel after nothing was done for the 147 Kenyans that were killed , if I was him id be a bit peeved!

 

My god how sad it is you want to make such a thing a competition.. Have you got a reply to your email yet?

[simo]

My god how sad it is you want to make such a thing a competition.. Have you got a reply to your email yet?

 

My you are a t.w.at aren't you its not about it being a competition just mutual respect no matter what country or race ! No not had a reply but I'll Pm you as soon as I do !

[whelk]

My you are a t.w.at aren't you its not about it being a competition just mutual respect no matter what country or race ! No not had a reply but I'll Pm you as soon as I do !

 

So you want to measure and judge respect by saying if you did something for this you must do it for that?

I am not arguing for the anthem being played although as said before quite interesting how worked up people are getting.

 

Oooh goody I like PMs

[eelpie]

I'm astonished that so many are against it. It hurts no-one. It is about respect, and says a lot for empathy with France and French football supporters, of the horrors that have happened to them, and will happen again. And will happen randomly in England somewhen, sadly, as sure as daylight. Then, some English football fans will inevitably, statistically, be caught up in it.

 

And it could have been England playing France. How can we be aloof?

[eelpie]

A bit over the top but it's a good anthem so I'm in.

 

Plus, the fact that it is so over the top will send a big 'f*ck you' message to muslim extremists everywhere which has to be a good thing.

 

Good point

[simo]

My generic reply from Saints :-In the words of Richard Scudamore, Premier League Executive Chairman, “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.*“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.”

Edited 20 November, 2015 by simo

[doddisalegend]

This gets tiresome. Fact you can't comprehend the difference in impact of something happening in a western city on our doorstep and other atrocities. Frankly embarrassing point.

Hey more people died in childbirth in Africa since the Paris attacks why don't people care about that? Fckin hipsters

 

Jesus that's not even a 3/10 attempt.

[Hatch]

I wonder how Wanyama will feel after nothing was done for the 147 Kenyans that were killed , if I was him id be a bit peeved!

 

 

It's all judged on this, as 90% of the general public are as thick as pig shyte, the papers know this , so use the below when reporting disasters.

 

 

[richardc]

Looks like we may be singing the Malian national anthem as well tomorrow

[eelpie]

Maybe a simultaneous across-all-grounds rendition of "Stand up if you hate ISIS" would be more appropriate.

Certainly easier for the majority to join in with

 

I don't think we are being asked to sing the French National anthem

[scotty]

I don't think we are being asked to sing the French National anthem

 

I got the impression we were being told to.

[Colinjb]

It's all judged on this, as 90% of the general public are as thick as pig shyte, the papers know this , so use the below when reporting disasters.

 

 

 

It would appear that Alaska has gained independence.

[Lighthouse]

Its this sort of racist $h!t that makes you and IS difficult to tell apart sometime. You hate them why exactly? Because they are fleeing oppression?

 

I was being sarcastic. Batman mentions that the Royal Navy is running a free ferry service for terrorists every 10 minutes on the thread in the lounge.

[VectisSaint]

I got the impression we were being told to.

Not being told or asked to do anything.

"A choral version [of the anthem] will be played after the coin toss, with players from both teams coming together with match officials in the centre circle"

[Whitey Grandad]

I was being sarcastic. Batman mentions that the Royal Navy is running a free ferry service for terrorists every 10 minutes on the thread in the lounge.

 

It's not every 10 minutes.

 

 

I thought that we partrolled non-stop all day, every day

[sadoldgit]

It's all judged on this, as 90% of the general public are as thick as pig shyte, the papers know this , so use the below when reporting disasters.

 

 

 

Pretty much spot on!

[SaintStinger]

Pretty much spot on!

 

Spot on? What utter nonsense. Red Nose Day ring a bell? The indonesia earthquake? etc. Yea 'whatever' is really the first thing that western countries think of when a tragedy hits these areas. /rollseyes

[Window Cleaner]

Malian national anthem next week then ?

[hypochondriac]

Pretty much spot on!

 

If you're a simpleton yes.

[CB Fry]

Pretty much spot on!

Spot on in that you agree with the map?

[Professor]

I am saddened by the negative attitude of posters on here who fail to understand the support for our French neighbours being shown by the Premier League. If that atrocity had happened in London and the French Football League had shown their solidarity with us by playing the British National Anthem before football matches, I think many English people would be deeply moved. It is a shame that French people who read this thread will see such a poor response by some Saints' fans.

[Batman]

I am saddened by the negative attitude of posters on here who fail to understand the support for our French neighbours being shown by the Premier League. If that atrocity had happened in London and the French Football League had shown their solidarity with us by playing the British National Anthem before football matches, I think many English people would be deeply moved. It is a shame that French people who read this thread will see such a poor response by some Saints' fans.

 

serious question. Did they 10 years ago?

[scotty]

serious question. Did they 10 years ago?

 

Quite.

 

And if they did, how many of us approved of the gesture at the time, and how many even noticed it?

[Mr Dad]

Well i'll sing it but i'm not sure its the right thing to do. It didn't really work at Wembley although most people proboably wanted it to work as solidarity with the French. The singing at St Marys is likely to be even more subdued so its not a good expression of support. It just won't work and might be seen as insulting to the French. Most of us don't speak French and singing it from words on the big screen just won't work. We don't mean to be insulting but we can't do it. Lets stick with the minute silence which traditionally at St Marys has been 100% supported.

[VectisSaint]

I am saddened by the negative attitude of posters on here who fail to understand the support for our French neighbours being shown by the Premier League. If that atrocity had happened in London and the French Football League had shown their solidarity with us by playing the British National Anthem before football matches, I think many English people would be deeply moved. It is a shame that French people who read this thread will see such a poor response by some Saints' fans.

There are not many who are negative about it, only that the support for Paris/France has already been shown in the place that was singularly appropriate, Wembley for the England v France game. No-one in France needs to be in any doubt as to the support most showed, I even tuned into the bloody England game specifically to see the bit where La Marseillaise was sung (ended up watching the game as it was slightly better than the usual turgid England displays). All very appropriate. Its this continuation by the PL that is inappropriate and should not have been done. What about the teams playing away this weekend, will they have to do the same next weekend?

[VectisSaint]

Well i'll sing it but i'm not sure its the right thing to do. It didn't really work at Wembley although most people proboably wanted it to work as solidarity with the French. The singing at St Marys is likely to be even more subdued so its not a good expression of support. It just won't work and might be seen as insulting to the French. Most of us don't speak French and singing it from words on the big screen just won't work. We don't mean to be insulting but we can't do it. Lets stick with the minute silence which traditionally at St Marys has been 100% supported.

 

You are not being asked to sing it. They are just going to play a choral version of the anthem over the tannoy.

[Mr Dad]

You are not being asked to sing it. They are just going to play a choral version of the anthem over the tannoy.

 

Thanks for the clarification. It would be nice though if there were some singing.

 

Just sing along with the tune.

 

La la la la la la la laa la la... etc.

[derry]

I'll pay my respects to the poor unfortunates that were killed on a night out.

[VectisSaint]

Thanks for the clarification. It would be nice though if there were some singing.

 

Just sing along with the tune.

 

La la la la la la la laa la la... etc.

Think that's all most people could do anyway, not many people know the words (and even less know what they actually mean). I certainly don't know the words, and even when I read the lyrics, find it difficult to fit the words with the tune.

 

Allons, enfants de la Patrie

Le jour de gloire est arrivé!

Contre nous, de la tyrannie

L'étendard sanglant est levé

Entendez-vous dans les campagnes

Mugir ces féroces soldats?

Ils viennent jusque dans nos bras

Égorger nos fils, nos compagnes!

Aux armes, citoyens!

Formez vos bataillons

Marchons, marchons!

Qu'un sang impur

Abreuve nos sillons!

[diggers]

Think that's all most people could do anyway, not many people know the words (and even less know what they actually mean). I certainly don't know the words, and even when I read the lyrics, find it difficult to fit the words with the tune.

 

Allons, enfants de la Patrie

Le jour de gloire est arrivé!

Contre nous, de la tyrannie

L'étendard sanglant est levé

Entendez-vous dans les campagnes

Mugir ces féroces soldats?

Ils viennent jusque dans nos bras

Égorger nos fils, nos compagnes!

Aux armes, citoyens!

Formez vos bataillons

Marchons, marchons!

Qu'un sang impur

Abreuve nos sillons!

http://www.marseillaise.org/english/english.html

[angelman]

I am saddened by the negative attitude of posters on here who fail to understand the support for our French neighbours being shown by the Premier League. If that atrocity had happened in London and the French Football League had shown their solidarity with us by playing the British National Anthem before football matches, I think many English people would be deeply moved. It is a shame that French people who read this thread will see such a poor response by some Saints' fans.

 

I am saddened by those who think it is only the French dead who are worthy of remembrance. Maybe the Mali national anthem would be more appropriate before tomorrows game.

 

http://www.linkonlearning.com/public/anthems/countries/mali.htm

[ART]

It does seem somewhat unfair that the victims of so many tragedies across the world are not to be remembered. For myself singing ABIDE ME ME would be far more appropriate than just the Marseillaise.

 

This has to be a case where Liverpool fans have the most appropriate anthem to cover all tragedies with "You'll Never Walk Alone."

 

Out there, there has to be an anthem to unify and show support for all tragedies, no matter race, country or creed.

[Kingsland Codger]

Thanks for the clarification. It would be nice though if there were some singing.

 

Just sing along with the tune.

 

La la la la la la la laa la la... etc.

 

Fifty plus years ago, my teacher of French (Mr Rodgers - wonder what happened to him?) taught my school class the Marseilles and we had to stand up and sing it at the start of each French lesson.

 

I still remember the words and I shall belt it out with vigour tomorrow. Sadly, I'm no great singer, but if you see and/or hear a grey-haired 60 year old singing flat and with an Isle of Wight accent, that'll be me.

[Stud mark of doom]

Fifty plus years ago, my teacher of French (Mr Rodgers - wonder what happened to him?) taught my school class the Marseilles and we had to stand up and sing it at the start of each French lesson.

 

I still remember the words and I shall belt it out with vigour tomorrow. Sadly, I'm no great singer, but if you see and/or hear a grey-haired 60 year old singing flat and with an Isle of Wight accent, that'll be me.

 

Well said. Nice show of support.

[whelk]

I am saddened by those who think it is only the French dead who are worthy of remembrance. Maybe the Mali national anthem would be more appropriate before tomorrows game.

 

http://www.linkonlearning.com/public/anthems/countries/mali.htm

 

Let's face it you are not saddened at all

[whelk]

Fifty plus years ago, my teacher of French (Mr Rodgers - wonder what happened to him?) taught my school class the Marseilles and we had to stand up and sing it at the start of each French lesson.

 

I still remember the words and I shall belt it out with vigour tomorrow. Sadly, I'm no great singer, but if you see and/or hear a grey-haired 60 year old singing flat and with an Isle of Wight accent, that'll be me.

 

They're not expecting us to sing it but well done. Al,though I wouldn't know an IOW accent if it bit me on the arse

[CB Fry]

I am saddened by the negative attitude of posters on here who fail to understand the support for our French neighbours being shown by the Premier League. If that atrocity had happened in London and the French Football League had shown their solidarity with us by playing the British National Anthem before football matches, I think many English people would be deeply moved. It is a shame that French people who read this thread will see such a poor response by some Saints' fans.

If the Premier League had not decided to do this at all, do you seriously think a single French person would give a monkeys?

 

If it an attack happened in London how upset would you be if you found out that there wasn't going to be a round of God Save The Queen at every, say, Bundesliga or Ligue 1 match? Would you a) care deeply b) not actually care at all.

[Saint-Fred]

The difference in the Paris attack is that it's an attack on the western lifestyle, our lifestyle, so it is entirely appropriate to demonstrate that we stand with them.

[adrian lord]

The difference in the Paris attack is that it's an attack on the western lifestyle, our lifestyle, so it is entirely appropriate to demonstrate that we stand with them.

 

I think it is already perfectly clear we stand with them. The danger is that this whole anthem and tribute circus is becoming mawkish, slightly hysterical. And, as a result, losing it's gravity.

[whelk]

The difference in the Paris attack is that it's an attack on the western lifestyle, our lifestyle, so it is entirely appropriate to demonstrate that we stand with them.

 

No no no. What's happening in Tibet is equally important.

[Saint-Fred]

I think it is already perfectly clear we stand with them. The danger is that this whole anthem and tribute circus is becoming mawkish, slightly hysterical. And, as a result, losing it's gravity.

 

It replaces the minutes silence which would have happened anyway. It allows people to reflect on what happened And how fortunate they are, it is a show of respect and feeling towards those having their very way of life threatened. It is also a show of defiance .

A small thing like this may not be your cup of tea but to some it will be meaningful, you can't please everyone! But hey that's the freedom that needs protecting from these nutters!