French and Israeli fans clash at tense UEFA Nations League match
Stadium security intervene next to supporters holding Israeli flags during the UEFA Nations League League A, Group A2 football match between France and Israel at The Stade de France stadium in Saint-Denis, in the northern outskirts of Paris, France, Nov. 14, 2024. (AFP Photo)
Tensions boiled over as French and Israeli fans clashed during Thursday’s UEFA Nations League match between France and Israel at the Stade de France. The altercation occurred despite a massive security operation put in place to prevent violence following recent attacks on Israeli fans in Amsterdam.
Shocking scenes of violence unfolded inside the Stade de France as Israel faced France in the Nations League, with clashes breaking out between rival fans in the stands.
Despite heavy police security, a small group of hooligans managed to infiltrate the largely empty stadium. Video footage circulating on social media showed groups of masked men fighting in the stands, with some spectators fleeing the violence.
The incident occurred around 10 minutes into the match in the upper section of the stand behind one of the goals. Security personnel were quick to intervene, with stewards forming a barrier to contain the situation. Some fans, notably those carrying Israeli flags, were seen running from the area but were blocked by the security response.
Israel’s Shin Bet chief arrives in Paris
Meanwhile, head of Israeli intelligence agency Shin Bet reportedly arrives in Paris amid high alert and large police presence.
The match, held in Paris, saw a low turnout of around 13,000 spectators in a venue that can hold up to 80,000, largely due to heightened security concerns.
A heavy police presence, with 4,000 officers and additional security forces, was deployed to ensure safety amid rising anti-Israeli sentiment and fears of violence.
French authorities took no chances after last week’s incidents in Amsterdam, where Maccabi Tel Aviv fans were attacked by individuals following a Europa League match against Ajax.
‘We will not give in to anti-Semitisim’
Despite calls from lawmakers to postpone the match, the government proceeded with the event under tight security.
Despite calls to postpone the match, President Emmanuel Macron attended and emphasized that France would not tolerate anti-Semitism or violence.
“We will not give in to anti-Semitism anywhere, and violence — including in the French Republic — will never prevail, nor will intimidation,” said Macron.
The clashes come amid a backdrop of pro-Palestinian protests and soaring anti-Israel sentiment.
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