Diarra loses cousin in attack

French midfielder Lassana Diarra says his cousin was among the victims of Friday’s terror attacks in Paris.

Diarra added: “To me she was a guide, a support”.

“In the climate of terror it’s important for all of us, who are representatives of our country and its diversity, to speak up and stay united in the face of a horror which has neither colour nor religion”.

At least four people died outside the glittering venue which staged the 1998 World Cup final with several others seriously hurt. It is believed that these loud explosions where indeed suicide bombers detonating themselves. France President Francois Hollande, who was at the match, was evacuated.

Afterwards, bewildered fans poured onto the pitch as they waited to be allowed to leave, while French and German players were seen in apparent shock staring at a television screen as they left the field.

Teammate Antoine Griezmann, who also played on Friday, said his sister was in the audience at a concert at the Bataclan hall in Paris, where dozens were killed after a hostage taking. He later wrote: “Thanks God my sister was able to exit the Bataclan. All my prayers to the victims and their families”. We’ve known for months that there was a maximal risk (in France).

“Our thoughts and honest condolences are with the city of Paris after these bad atrocities”, said FA chairman Greg Dyke.

All sporting events due to be staged in Paris this weekend have been postponed, but the French Football Federation (FFF) has confirmed Tuesday’s worldwide friendly with England at Wembley will go ahead as planned.

Media events scheduled for Saturday at France’s training camp in Clairefontaine were canceled.