London: The French national anthem will be played at all games in the English Premier League this weekend as an act of remembrance and solidarity with France after the terrorist attacks in Paris.
A choral version of "La Marseillaise" will be played after the coin toss, with players from both teams coming together with the official and assistants in the center circle facing the main stand.
At least 129 people were killed in the coordinated attacks in the French capital.
"We were all saddened and deeply shocked by the events in Paris last Friday," said Richard Scudamore, chief executive of the Premier League, "and the fact it was an attack on people enjoying their everyday freedoms like going to a bar, a concert or a football match resonates with football fans and the general public throughout the UK."
There are 72 French players in the Premier League, making France the most-represented nation after England.
England fans joined their French counterparts in singing "La Marseillaise" on Tuesday before the friendly between the national teams at Wembley Stadium.
Supporters are set to face additional security measures at the Premier League's 10 games across Saturday and Sunday, with the league saying that "clearly there is a heightened sense of awareness that clubs and fans must be sensitive to" after the Paris attacks.
Premier League officials have been in consultation with police and security advisers, as well as the British government, and a full briefing was provided to the 20 clubs on Wednesday. That included a detailing of the current threat level, which the league says remains unchanged.
Each club will liaise with its local police force "to ensure that appropriate arrangements are maintained and delivered in the context of the guidance provided by national security services," according to a Premier League statement that didn't go into further detail.
Chelsea said in a statement that the club will be increasing its security controls inside and around Stamford Bridge, and called on supporters to avoid bringing bags where possible, because enhanced searches will be taking place.
