- Join the France 24 community here
- Log in
Latest update: 23/10/2008
- football - France - government - Nicolas Sarkozy - Tunisia
When sports divide
The whistling and booing that covered the French national anthem ahead of a friendly match against Tunisia in Paris on Tuesday has sparked outrage throughout France. Is it just a game or an assault on a nation? (Part 1 of 2)
Watch Part 2 of the FRANCE 24 Debate 'When sports divide'
According to French government officials, whistling or booing the country's national anthem at football matches justifies cancelling the game.
French President Nicolas Sarkozy expressed shock and anger after Tuesday's friendly match in Paris between France and Tunisia witnessed loud jeering from Tunisian fans while French players were introduced and the Marseillaise was sung.
High level meetings were called as a result and the final French government consensus was that next time it happens, the match will be called off. So, tonight we'll be debating whether that's a necessary measure, why fans were jeering, and whether the noise should really be seen as an insult to France.
Andrea Sanke's guests are:
Christophe Bertossi, Director of the Migration Programme at the French Institute for International Relations (IFRI).
Jacques Myard, a member of the French parliament for the ruling conservative UMP party.
Stefano Bernabino, Head of the Football department at Eurosport International.
Tariq Ramadan, Professor of Islamic studies at Saint Antonys College, Oxford.

























