Possible Clues:

• Interrupt reference to Inferno by the French
• Local exclamation for anger at the French shouting abusive remarks
• Hamper speaker's arrest, heading off the French
• Mild oath the French abuse
• Badger from the audience
• Challenge aggressively; badger
• Darn it - the French give stand-up guy a hard time
• Be derisive
• Taunt
• Jeer from the stands