2006 FIFA World Cup Coverage

French players upset after anthem jeered

By TIMES WIRES
Published June 28, 2006

HANOVER, Germany - French players reacted angrily to whistles from the crowd during the French national anthem before Tuesday's game.

After Spain's national anthem was played without incident, France's players looked on angrily as La Marseillaise was jeered.

"It's shameful to whistle during La Marseillaise," forward Thierry Henry said. "I have rarely heard people whistling a national anthem at a football match."

Lilian Thuram, one of the most vocal singers on the French team during the anthem, turned his head toward the section of Spanish fans whistling and appeared to mutter angrily.

Eric Abidal said the incident motivate the French players.

"This gave us even more desire," he said. "The victory was deserved."

BRAZIL: Robinho, a key reserve who sat out Tuesday with a right thigh injury, should be ready for Saturday's quarterfinal. The striker was hurt during practice Saturday.

ENGLAND-PORTUGAL: Police will step up security on the British island of Jersey for Saturday's game. Jersey lies off France's west coast and has a population of 90,000. About 6 percent of the residents are from Portugal. During the 2004 European Championship, when Portugal beat England, riot police used tear gas and dogs to disperse about 700 Portugal and England fans.

OFFICIATING: FIFA said it is not ready to use two referees for games. Referees have come under scrutiny amid the record number of red and yellow cards and several questionable calls. FIFA said trials using two referees were held in Italian league games but it was "not the right path to follow" right now.

- TIMES WIRES

[Last modified June 28, 2006, 06:26:03]