PARIS — A significant police presence is expected at the upcoming soccer match between France and Israel in the Nations League on Thursday, amidst heightened security concerns due to a tense political environment.
Authorities in Paris are taking no chances, with police chief Laurent Nuñez announcing that 4,000 officers and security personnel will be stationed around the Stade de France, alongside an additional 1,500 on public transport. This decision follows last week’s incidents in Amsterdam, where Israeli fans were violently targeted during a Europa League match, prompting widespread condemnation for what many have termed antisemitic behavior.
The mood has shifted dramatically from the celebratory atmosphere of the recent Olympic Games, and attendance at the national stadium is expected to be significantly reduced, with only 20,000 of the 80,000 available tickets sold. Approximately 150 Israeli supporters are expected to attend the match, all under police escort. French President Emmanuel Macron and Interior Minister Bruno Retailleau will also be in attendance.
France coach Didier Deschamps commented on the situation, acknowledging the heavy context surrounding the match. “We’ve attempted to prepare for this match in the usual manner. However, it is impossible for us not to be affected by the current climate,” he stated. The previous encounter with Israel, which France won 4-1, took place in Budapest, Hungary.
Deschamps further mentioned that the current conditions are unorthodox for the players. “These are circumstances the squad isn’t used to, but adaptation is key,” he added. The low turnout of visiting fans comes after Israel’s National Security Council issued advisories, urging citizens abroad to avoid events such as the match in Paris.
Retailleau reassured the public on a news channel, clarifying that while there are no specific threats, the notion of “zero risk” is a myth. He emphasized that unusual security measures would be in place throughout the event. The elite RAID unit of the French National Police will oversee the stadium, with some officers undercover amidst the crowd. Additionally, a robust surveillance operation will be implemented throughout Paris, particularly at Jewish community centers.
“It is unacceptable to risk a repeat of the tragic incidents we witnessed in Amsterdam,” Retailleau affirmed, while firmly stating that relocating or postponing the match would not be considered. “France does not retreat, and the France-Israel match will proceed as planned,” he declared.
Last Thursday, Amsterdam was rocked by violent scenes as crowds attacked Israeli fans incited by social media messages targeting Jewish individuals, as reported by local authorities. Videos circulating on social media showed Israeli supporters chanting anti-Arab slogans while escorted to the stadium by police.
On the eve of the match, protests erupted in Paris against a gala event organized by far-right groups in support of Israel. The event at the Stade de France, located in Saint-Denis, is set to commence at 8:45 p.m. local time (19:45 GMT) on Thursday. This date is notably somber for many, as it recalls the tragic terrorist attacks of November 13, 2015, which resulted in the deaths of 130 individuals, including at the Stade de France. Deschamps noted the somber significance of this date, reflecting on the memory of that harrowing night.
