Hundreds of "sportsmen and women
from around the world" are expressing their "condemnation of the attack on the
offices of French magazine Charlie Hebdo in which twelve people were
killed and eleven wounded, four of them critically," according to MARCA. Man City's Vincent Kompany tweeted, "The Kalashnikov can reduce an individual to silence but, in response,
people will make his shout even louder. Freedom of expression!" French rugby player Fabrice Estebanez tweeted, "A black day for Freedom of Expression. Where are we going? The world is crazy."
These are just a few of the "many similar messages" posted by the likes of Ligue 1 side Lille midfielder Rio Mavuba,
tennis player Richard Gasquet, and Atlético Madrid's Antoine Griezmann. All "expressed their horror at the events in Paris and solidarity for
the victims." The majority "also included messages in support of the right
to Freedom of Expression." The satirical news magazine had been the
subject of "repeated threats as a result of the cartoons it published"
criticizing religious fanaticism. Numerous Muslim sporting figures "also took to social media to
reiterate that terrorism is in no way representative of their religion" (
MARCA, 1/8).
IN REMEMBRANCE: FRANCETV SPORT reported in the aftermath of the "killing on the premises of Charlie Hebdo, the sports world continues to come together and show demonstrations of solidarity." The French Football Federation has "called for a moment of silence to be observed on all French fields," from professional to amateur, this weekend. The "same goes in rugby and basketball…in all clubs and on any terrain." "Je suis Charlie" ("I am Charlie") continues to spread (FRANCETV SPORT, 1/8). L'EQUIPE reported a moment of silence will also "be observed at the French Cyclo-cross Championships in Pontchâteau, France on Saturday and Sunday." French Cycling Federation President David Lappartient said, "French cycling as a whole expresses its strongest compassion for the bereaved families" (L'EQUIPE, 1/8).
