Watch Part 1 of the FRANCE 24 Debate 'When sports divide'

Is it just a game or an assault on a nation? Well 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 the 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 should the noise really be seen as an INSULT to France.

Christophe Bertossi, Director of the Migration Programme at IFRI the French Institute for International Relations.

Jacques Myard, a member of French Parliament for the ruling conservative UMP party.

Stefano Bernabino, Head of the Football department at Eurosport International.