Sports world reacts to French terror attacks
Athletes and sporting organisations around the world have united to "pray for Paris" as the shock of the French terror attacks reverberates across the globe.
With the death toll rising well over 100 following a string of synchronised attacks in Paris, sports men and women have reacted in shock and sympathy to the victims.
At least 120 people alone were executed at the Bataclan theatre, where over 1500 people were watching a death metal concert.
A blast also rocked Paris' Stade de France during a France-Germany football international after a suicide bomber detonated a blast outside the sports ground.
Among those to extend their best wishes to victims and express their dismay were Australian Test cricket captain Steve Smith, Shane Warne, NBA great LeBron James, former England skipper Michael Vaughan and football great Steven Gerrard.
Major sporting organisations also took to Twitter.
Smith, who is leading Australia in the Second Test against New Zealand at the WACA, tweeted: "#Pray for Paris".
— Steve Smith (@stevesmith49) November 14, 2015
While Warne tweeted; " Paris, my thoughts are with you".
Paris, my thoughts are with you https://t.co/XMUAJ3GHjE
— Shane Warne (@ShaneWarne) November 14, 2015
LeBron tweeted:" As I get ready for my game I can't help but to think of the tragedy in Paris! My God what's up with people. Prayers sent to all the familes!"
As I get ready for my game I can't help but to think of the tragedy in Paris! My God what's up with people. Prayers sent to all the familes!
— LeBron James (@KingJames) November 13, 2015
Vaughan described the attacks as "horrifying".
Thoughts are with all affected by these horrifying scenes in #Paris https://t.co/xLgZ9EsLaf
— Michael Vaughan (@MichaelVaughan) November 14, 2015
The former England skipper also posted video of French fans singing their national anthem as they left Stade de France.
Beautiful video shows thousands of people singing French national anthem as they exit the Stade de France in Paris pic.twitter.com/QayDIXCnud
— BreatheSport (@BreatheSport) November 14, 2015
Former Liverpool star Gerrard tweeted his support for France.
"French colours shown above Wembley tonight. Humanity will always win! #PrayForParis".
French colours shown above Wembley tonight. Humanity will always win! #PrayForParis pic.twitter.com/LKbLdx1COY
— Transfer Centre (@CentreTransfer) November 14, 2015
Australian cricketer Glen Maxwell was another to tweet his prayers.
"Devastating news about the events that are currently happening in Paris. Our thoughts and prayers are with you."
Devastating news about the events that are currently happening in Paris. Our thoughts and prayers are with you. #PrayforParis
— Glenn Maxwell (@Gmaxi_32) November 13, 2015
Women's cricketer Alyssa Healy tweeted: "What is wrong with this world?!!! #PrayforParis".
What is wrong with this world?!!! #PrayforParis
— Alyssa Healy (@ahealy77) November 13, 2015
Footballer Florian Thauvin was among many French players to take to social media, posting emoji's of a the French flag and a fears shedding a tear.
#PrayForParis ������
— Florian Thauvin (@FlorianThauvin) November 13, 2015
Other tweets included:
French baseballer Alexis Ajinca posted a tweet with a photo of a pair of Nike shoes with "#Pray for Paris written on them.
Pray for my family and friends #PrayForParis pic.twitter.com/Lhhd2DQudX
— Alexis Ajinca (@AjincaAlexis42) November 13, 2015
Euro League Basketball: "All our thoughts and the ones of the clubs and players are with the victims in #Paris and their falimilies #prayforparis".
All our thoughts and the ones of the clubs and players are with the victims in #Paris and their falimilies #prayforparis
— EuroleagueBasketball (@Euroleague) November 13, 2015
US Soccer: "A statement from U.S. Soccer and @Cardinals regarding the events in France and tonight's game at Busch Stadium".
A statement from U.S. Soccer and @Cardinals regarding the events in France and tonight's game at Busch Stadium: https://t.co/3TsnzvXZlr
— U.S. Soccer (@ussoccer) November 13, 2015
