Heavy security as PSG plays first home game since attacks f

PARIS (AP) — Police with machine guns patrolled the stadium Saturday as Paris Saint-Germain played its first home match since the Paris attacks.

Fans were asked to arrive early at the Parc des Princes stadium before the game against Troyes and to present identification papers.

Supporters and media representatives were searched and had to open their bags.

Despite the presence of armed police Saturday, including two snipers on a roof near the stadium, the atmosphere was calm and the mood one of cooperation rather than fear, after the attacks two weeks ago left 130 people dead and plunged a nation into mourning.

"Very good, perfect. That's what I just explained to my son," PSG fan Claude Montereau said. "We have been (checked) at least 10 times before arriving here. That's OK."

A small jazz band played outside, perhaps in a bid to reassure people that this was meant to be an enjoyable occasion, after all.

A giant French tricolor flag was unfurled in the middle of the field before the game, and a video clip was beamed onto the giant screen, with football stars from around the world — including Barcelona's Lionel Messi and Manchester United's Wayne Rooney — saying the simple words "Je suis Paris" (I am Paris).

In a show of solidarity, PSG fans applauded the names of the Troyes players when they were read out.

As a brass band played the national anthem, La Marseillaise, the crowd joined in as they held thousands of French flags aloft.

After that, a minute's silence was impeccably observed as PSG captain Thiago Silva and goalkeeper Kevin Trapp stood with their heads bowed.