'England will demonstrate with France that terrorism cannot win' says FA chief Martin Glenn
Monday 16 November 2015 17:49, UK
FA chief executive Martin Glenn has reassured supporters of an increased security presence at Wembley - including armed police - when England take on France on Tuesday night.
And Glenn is urging fans to arrive earlier than usual at the stadium and allow more time to travel as a result with Wembley Stadium asking supporters not to bring bags as there will be extra searches.
Fans can be assured that all appropriate security measures are in place for the fixture which includes extensive searches upon entrance to Wembley. Fans should arrive as early as possible to avoid any delays in entering the Stadium. For your convenience it is preferable for supporters not to bring bags and there will be increased bag searches upon entrance.
Speaking at a pre-match press conference on Monday, Glenn said that France are determined to go ahead with the friendly - which will be attended by Prince William, The Duke of Cambridge - and England want to demonstrate with them that "terrorism cannot win".
"There were two conditions to hold the game, firstly that UK security authorities - the Met Police effectively - liaising with Government, needed to conclude that it was safe, and also, secondly, whether the French wanted to play it," he said.
"They were very clear that they wanted it to go ahead for all the reasons you might imagine. It is symbolic that they can't afford to let this act of terror cower us in any way.
"I wasn't surprised. The whole thing is horrible and it affects people in different ways but we considered it and thought 'what would we want to do'? When London was hit by terror, we got that spirit of hanging together and demonstrating solidarity, and we thought 'that's exactly how the French would feel'.
We want fans to turn up earlier because we are going to do more checks. We check bags anyway but we will change the frequency of it.
"The security apparatus, the people that advise us, are absolutely clear that there is no material change in risk and want it to go ahead. But we want fans to turn up earlier because we are going to do more checks. We check bags anyway but we will change the frequency of it.
"There is a lot more of a physical police presence too around Wembley and has been over the weekend. So you'll see more physical law enforcement officers, but there will probably be a slower entrance procedure, so we are encouraging fans to get there earlier and allow more time to travel."
The Metropolitan Police have confirmed that armed officers will be on duty at Wembley.
Deputy Assistant Commissioner Peter Terry, from Specialist Crime and Operations, said: "We want everyone coming along to the match to know that our officers will be out there in increased numbers, to keep them safe. This will include extra, highly visible, armed officers who will be patrolling around Wembley Stadium."
Glenn, who was appointed the FA's chief executive earlier this year, also confirmed that there will be a number of displays of solidarity on the night, including a stadium-wide display of the French flag.
"We want to start with some very important ways of showing our country's solidarity with France," Glenn said.
"We are encouraging people to arrive for 7.55pm - that is when proceedings will really begin. We'll all be singing the French national anthem - La Marseillaise - and will help by putting the words on screen. It will be a powerful thing.
"We'll be doing the Tricolour effect inside the stadium too. The match is going to have major significance as the first major sport event after the events of Friday, so that's why it's important for us to be totally supportive and show together with them that terrorism cannot win."
The FA have confirmed the Wembley arch will remain illuminated in French colours as well as displaying the national motto of France: Liberté, Égalité, Fraternité on the outer wall of the stadium.
