Defiance has been a common response from France since Friday’s tragic events, and Euro 2016 boss Jacques Lambert insists the show must go on despite the threat posed by terrorists.
The horrific attacks, which included bombings in the area of the Stade de France – site of the Euro 2016 final – mark the second time this year that Paris has been the victim of terrorism, following the attack at satirical magazine Charlie Hebdo in January.
Speaking to French radio station RTL in the wake of the tragedy, Lambert said the finals were not in jeopardy.
“Wondering whether Euro 2016 must be cancelled is playing the game of the terrorists,” he told the station. “The risk went up one level in January, it has just gone higher.”
“We will take the necessary decisions for Euro 2016 to take place in the best safety conditions. Security in stadiums works well, the risk is more in the streets, in spontaneous gatherings.”
Sporting events across France this weekend have been cancelled, but the national team will play England on Tuesday at Wembley as planned.
