The words to La Marseillaise, the French national anthem, on screens prior to England's friendly with France

The French national anthem will be played before all Premier League games this weekend.

A statement from the Premier League confirmed the gesture as a response to last Friday's terrorist attacks in Paris, which included three explosions outside the France v Germany friendly at the Stade de France.

There are 72 French players at top-flight clubs, the biggest number from a single nationality after England, and a choral version of La Marseillaise will be played after the coin toss, with players from both teams joining officials in the centre circle facing the main stand.

Premier League executive chairman Richard Scudamore said: "Given how close we are as well as the long-standing relationship that exists between the Premier League and France, playing La Marseillaise as an act of solidarity and remembrance is the right thing to do.

"We were all saddened and deeply shocked by the events in Paris last Friday, 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."

Spectators gather on the pitch after news of the terrorist attacks in Paris reaches the fans

Scudamore says all clubs are briefed and ready to provide "appropriate security" at this weekend's fixtures.

He said: "The clubs have been fully briefed in context of the current guidance from national security services and are liaising with their local police forces to ensure the appropriate security and safety measures are in place for their matches and stadiums."

The Paris attacks left 129 people dead.

Football fans talk to a policeman securing an area outside the Stade de France on Friday night

In an act of solidarity England fans joined in the singing of La Marseillaise during Tuesday's friendly between England and France at Wembley.

Stoke boss Mark Hughes said: "Everybody who attended Wembley, players and the FA, should be proud of themselves for Tuesday night. We remain on a severe alert in this country and as a club we respond to that threat."

Southampton boss Ronald Koeman backed the singing of La Marseillaise this weekend, saying it was "appropriate" in the circumstances.

The Wembley arch was lit up with the French tricolore

He added: "There will be increased security at grounds this weekend - we have spoken about this - we must work with the Premier League on this."

Speaking before the Premier League's announcement, Arsenal boss Arsene Wenger had also welcomed the idea.

"I think it's a nice gesture of solidarity," the Frenchman said. "It's not an obvious one for the fans, like it would not be an obvious one for the fans in France to sing God Save the Queen, because they do not know the words. Symbolically it's a very nice gesture."