How did the global sports community react to the Paris attacks?

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Teams and athletes across multiple countries took visible steps to condemn the Paris attacks and adjust plans for safety and solidarity
The global sports community responded to the Paris attacks with public expressions of condemnation and on-the-ground changes to match and event operations. The German world champion football team stayed overnight in the Stade de France dressing rooms before flying home, while other major fixtures faced cancellations or heightened security measures in cities including London and Prague. French sporting events also proceeded in some cases, with the France vs England match at Wembley going ahead after security assurances.
The German team’s decision to avoid travel through Paris
The German squad, which had been playing France at the Stade de France when three suicide bombers struck outside the arena on Friday, spent the night inside the dressing rooms. Germany manager Oliver Bierhoff said the players were very worried because information was not clear and they did not want to take risks driving through Paris, noting the route was not “100 per cent secured.” The team then flew home on Saturday morning.
Football and rugby fixtures continued or shifted with security assurances
The France vs England match at Wembley in London on Tuesday was set to proceed after assurances from the English FA regarding security, confirmed by a French federation spokesman. Even English fans were encouraged to learn and sing “La Marseillaise,” with football presenter Mark Pougatch tweeting that it was time to learn the anthem to show “fraternite.” “La Marseillaise” was also played before a European Champions Cup rugby match in north London between Saracens and Toulouse, while major sports fixtures across France, including rugby games in the European Cup, were called off.
London tightened event security as tennis players prepared to play
In London, security was increased for the ATP World Tour Finals at the O2 arena ahead of the week’s matches involving the world’s top eight players. A spokesman said venue security is monitored at all times and that all bags would be searched, with fans banned from bringing outside food and drink. The venue’s capacity was described as 20,000, with players including Novak Djokovic, Roger Federer, Rafael Nadal, and Andy Murray slated to play.
Athletes marked solidarity through statements and black armbands or clothing
Tennis star Maria Sharapova, competing in the Fed Cup final in Prague, said she was “very tough to see the news and the pictures” and called the attacks a big shock, noting Paris is one of her favourite cities. At the Brazilian Formula One Grand Prix in Sao Paulo, French driver Romain Grosjean wore a black armband and had “#PrayForParis” on his car. At the Shanghai Masters, seven French golfers wore black as a mark of respect, with Ryder Cup player Victor Dubuisson also described as wearing black on top of a black visor.

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How did the global sports community react to the Paris attacks?

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