Supporters wave French flag before the French Ligue 1 match between Caen and Angers yesterday, at the Michel d’Ornano stadium, in Caen, northwestern France. (AFP)

AFP/Paris


‘La Marseillaise’ rang out in Bastia yesterday ahead of the much-anticipated Corsican Ligue 1 derby won 2-1 by Gazelec-Ajaccio as Caen missed the chance to go second behind Paris Saint-Germain following a goalless draw against Angers.
Tightened security checks were in place throughout France, just over a week after terrorist attacks in Paris and the Stade de France left 130 people dead and more than 350 injured. And despite threats by Corsican nationalists to boo the French national anthem ‘La Marseillaise’ was sang with gusto at the Armand Cesari Stadium in Bastia in tribute to the victims of the Paris attacks.
The club’s leading supporters group Bastia 1905 announced prior to the game that they would not enter the stadium until after the national anthem.
Only one solitary whistle could be heard in the stands during the rendition, before the Corsican chant “Diu vi salvi Regina” was sung and followed by the release of 130 white balloons, and a blue one for a club official who died the day before the attacks. “The silence as the players walked out gave me the chills,” said Ajaccio coach Thierry Laurey.
“I would say that the best response has been given,” added Bastia coach Ghislain Printant. In a match which had been postponed from Saturday because of strong winds in the Mediterranean island, Brandao opened for the hosts after five minutes following good work by Julian Palmieri.
But 14 minutes later Cameroon international striker Jacques Zoua got the visitors on level terms, slotting home a penalty awarded when Bastia goalkeeper Jean-Louis Leca fouled Khalid Boutaib in the box.
Boutaib missed a golden chance to put the visitors ahead with half an hour to go but alone on front of goal it was Leca who won the duel.  Ten minutes later Boutaib made no mistake volleying in following a pinpoint David Ducourtioux headed cross.  The win away lifts Ajaccio out of the relegation zone with neighbours Bastia taking their place.
In Normandy, Caen were down to ten men after half and hour after Alaeddine Yahia was given a straight red card for a dangerous tackle. A win would have seen Caen move second behind PSG, who stretched their lead to 13 points on Saturday with a 2-1 win at Lorient. “It’s a good point given the game,” said Caen coach Patrice Garande.
“Until the sending off we’d gotten off to a bright start and things were looking good for the match.”  
Caen are now third, equal on 25 points with Lyon, who lost 3-0 to Nice on Friday, and are ahead on goal difference. Angers are sitting fifth. Meanwhile, Rennes were held to a 2-2 draw by Bordeaux in a late match.