The French capital bared the brunt of a second major terrorist attack while France hosted Germany in an worldwide friendly, with more than 140 people reportedly dead from the attack that occurred on Friday.
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The 82-year-old, who scored a record 13 goals in six games at the 1958 World Cup, was at the Stade de France on Friday and witnessed the panic after three suicide bombers staged an attack.
Fontaine, who was the golden boot victor at the 1958 World Cup and later went on to briefly coach the national team, was at the match and does not feel France can guarantee safety at next year’s tournament.
“It breaks my heart to say this, because I have been looking forward to the European Championships, but I think France should give up the idea of hosting it”, Fontaine told German daily Die Welt. I don’t think we can guarantee the safety that is required to host such a big event. I greatly fear that there will be a repeat of black Friday. It’s simply too risky.
There was one bombing near the Stade de France, killing three people, during the game inside the venue, site of the Euro 2016 final. It may be true that time heals wounds but right now I can not imagine that people will flow there again.
“Every other country could host the championships, just not us”. The attacks across Paris claimed 129 lives in all. “The security in stadiums works well, the risk is more out in the streets, in spontaneous gatherings”.
France will still face England at Wembley on Tuesday, while Paris St Germain have confirmed their women’s team’s Champions League last-16 tie against Orebro will go ahead at their Stade Charlety home on Wednesday, the first match played in Paris since the attacks.
Mourad Boudjellal, the president of Toulon, has suggested the postponed European Rugby Champions Cup game against Bath could take place during the RBS 6 Nations.
The knockout stages of the Champions Cup are not set to take place until early April while the Six Nations kicks off on February 6.
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