World Cup 2010

Patrice Evra Hoping There’s No Foreign Invasion For France-Ireland Game

Praising the support of the French contingent that made their way to the Emerald Isle at the weekend, Evra hopes that fans of les Bleus turn out in force on Wednesday...

Nov 16, 2009 9:29:05 AM

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Patrice Evra (France)

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Patrice Evra

Amid reports that as many as 25,000 travelling supporters could grace the Stade de France for the World Cup qualifying play-off second leg match between France and Ireland, Patrice Evra has stated that such a prospect is not one he relishes.

Fans of les Bleus are known for their laid-back attitude to purchasing tickets, which has meant that supporters of nations such as Ireland and Scotland have bought seats en masse previously, filling almost half of the stadium, despite being away from home. Evra is certainly hopeful that this will not be the case on Wednesday evening.

“I hope not,” he said to France Football.

“I do not know what caused it or who, but for me it's not normal ... But I trust our fans.

“I do not dream of seeing the Stade de France like this: if it’s a requirement, then so be it! It would be logical that the French people awoke for such a World Cup match - we all want to go.

“To see all the [French] flags at Croke Park, it affected us. Thank you to the 6,000 French present in Dublin - it was spoken of between us, it affected us,” he revealed.

Evra was then asked about the “hell” that club-mate John O’Shea had warned les Bleus to expect in Dublin.

“He promised it – but in the stands!” Evra joked.

“It is true that it was impressive, but when you play for a big club, you're used to it. It made me laugh - the public has even hummed the Marseillaise!”

Relations between Evra and the French support have not always been easy, with the Manchester United man quick to criticise fans who booed the national side in international fixtures earlier this year.

Robin Bairner, Goal.com

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