Berlin: French football icon Just Fontaine has said France should not host the European Championships next year after the Paris terrorist attacks.
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.
"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.
"Every other country could host the championships, just not us.
"I greatly fear that there will be a repeat of black Friday."
Three explosions were heard outside the Stade de France national stadium during the first half of the friendly between France and Germany. Three suicide bombers killed themselves along with one bystander. The attacks across Paris claimed 129 lives in all.
France is due to host the European championships at 10 stadiums across the country between June 10 and July 10, with the final at the Stade de France.
French organisers insist the event should go ahead and that extra safety measures will be taken. But Fontaine said: "I think we can't guarantee the security needed for such a big event, it is simply too dangerous.
AFP
