AFPEAn Israeli fan at the Stade de France
NOS Nieuws•vandaag, 00:29
The international match between France and Israel in Paris ended 0-0. But most eyes were focused on the events in the stands and around the stadium. It remained relatively quiet there, apart from a disturbance.
Security had been significantly increased for fear of disturbances. About 4,000 police officers were present around the match, although not all of them were in the immediate vicinity of the stadium. “What we have learned from Amsterdam is that we must be present in public spaces, even very far from the stadium,” police chief Nuñez told radio station France Info.
President Macron was present at the match, as was Prime Minister Barnier. “We will not give in to anti-Semitism,” Macron said. Before the match, Israeli Foreign Minister Saar had urged his French counterpart Barrot that the safety of Israeli supporters would be guaranteed.
Tense atmosphere
The atmosphere in the stadium was tense. Israel’s national anthem was accompanied by a piercing flute concerto. A group of about 150 Israeli fans chanted “Release the hostages!” during the match, referring to the Israelis held hostage by Hamas.
Stewards took action in the first half when a group of fans moved towards the Israeli fans. Images circulating on social media show blows being thrown. According to Le Monde, the atmosphere was “heated” for a while, but calm quickly returned due to the actions of agents and stewards.
Only 20,000 spectators
The stadium was far from sold out, as expected in advance. It was estimated that there were around 20,000 fans, while the venue could hold 80,000 people. Some football fans had already announced that they would boycott the match in protest against the war in the Gaza Strip. Pro-Palestinian demonstrators had gathered about 2 kilometers from the stadium, but they were not allowed to get much closer to the stadium. Visitors to the match were checked and searched before the start.
More than six hundred Jewish supporters came to the stadium in buses accompanied by the police. These buses were arranged by an association that is committed to the Jewish community, after the recent violence in Amsterdam. “Fear in the community is understandable, but if we put our heads down and don’t go to football games, there is a problem,” said one supporter before boarding the bus. The buses were also able to leave the stadium safely after the match.
