MILLWALL midfielder Jimmy Abdou has called for “character and not weakness” in the aftermath of the terror attacks in Paris on Friday night.
Abdou revealed his brother was in the French capital on Friday night as the massacres unfolded at several locations, including Stade de France where France were playing Germany.
French coach Didier Descahmps offered his players the chance to withdraw from Tuesday night’s scheduled friendly against England at Wembley, but it was turned down and all 23 players in the squad have travelled for the fixture.
Lassana Diarra’s cousin, Asta Diakite, was one of 129 people killed on Friday, while Antoine Griezmann’s sister was in the Bataclan theatre but escaped as 89 people were killed. Both players have travelled to England.
After England manager Roy Hodgson said that the “football world is united against these atrocities”, Abdou had a similar message today.
He told Millwall’s official website: “My brother was in Paris on Friday. He went to Disneyland with friends. I was worrying because I couldn’t get hold of him but eventually he rang.
“We have to show character and not weakness. Playing the game on Tuesday shows that. It will be more than a game, the world will be watching I’m sure.
“Everyone wants to stay strong, look forward and work together to stop this sort of thing occurring in the future.”