Football - Three dead at Stade de France

Supporters leave the Stade de France following the match

Three people have died after explosions at the Stade de France during the friendly between France and Germany, as attacks around Paris claimed at least 127 lives.

Local reports suggested there were three explosions near the stadium and French Football Federation president Noel Le Graet confirmed there was a blast at Gate J, with Paris police later confirming the explosions were suicide attacks.

Elsewhere in the French capital gunmen shot dead diners at restaurants and hostages were killed at a concert venue, prompting French president Francois Hollande - who was at the game but left early when news of the attacks broke - to declare a national state of emergency and tighten the country's borders.

In total 127 people are reported to have died and another 99 are in critical condition according to French prosecutors. Le Graet told French television station Canal+: "There was a bomb explosion at the entrance to Gate J. There have been three deaths and some injured. 

"The Stade de France is secure. There is no longer any danger, people will leave normally." The match was allowed to run its course, France winning 2-0, but at the final whistle supporters who remained were asked to congregate on the pitch while the players remained in their changing rooms.

 

Atletico Madrid forward Antoine Griezmann played for France in the match and learned afterwards that his sister had been one of those able to escape from the attack at the Baticlan music venue, where the majority of the deaths occurred.

Germany's players remained at the Stade de France overnight and left for Germany on Saturday morning, arriving in Frankfurt before 11am local time.

The Football Association has offered its condolences to all affected and says it will liaise with the French Federation over the weekend before deciding whether Tuesday's friendly against France goes ahead at Wembley. "It is a very serious and tragic matter," an FA spokesman said following England's 2-0 defeat to Spain in Alicante.

"If there is any update on the match on Tuesday we will announce in due course. We will liaise with the French Football Federation over the weekend. "The FA sends its deep condolences to the victims of this tragic event but to say anything else would be inappropriate."

UEFA also issued a statement on Saturday morning which read: "UEFA is deeply shocked and saddened by the tragic events which occurred in Paris last night and wishes to express its support and solidarity to France and to those affected by these horrible acts."

Glasgow's rugby players are also in the French capital ahead of their European Champions Cup match against Racing 92, but their game has been called off, with all sporting events in the region cancelled this weekend in the wake of the attacks.