Before kick-off the minute’s silence for the victims of the Paris attacks was observed impeccably and the mood during the match was suitably light-hearted,

but David Beckham revealed there had been concern before this contest between his Great Britain and Ireland XI and a Rest of the World side at Old Trafford went ahead.

The former France internationals Zinedine Zidane and Patrick Vieira dropped out and, after his side won 3-1, Beckham said: “There was slight concern obviously once the news hit last night.

It is terribly devastating to see the scenes we saw but unfortunately we have seen those around the world.

I think security was very tight in this game and I am sure for a while now security will be heightened at every major sporting game that goes on. It definitely will be looked at.

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“I understood why Zizou took the decision not to play. I totally understand. He is a friend and a very passionate man. Being French that hit him very hard what happened. On behalf of myself, the managers and the players, we send our condolences to those who have lost loved ones.