Several hundred people demonstrated against the football match in the evening.
Image: dpa
After the attacks on Israeli soccer fans, security in Paris is particularly tight.
Image: Aurelien Morissard/AP
Many stands in the Stade de France remained empty.
Image: dpa
Several hundred people demonstrated against the football match in the evening.
Image: dpa
After the attacks on Israeli soccer fans, security in Paris is particularly tight.
Image: Aurelien Morissard/AP
Many stands in the Stade de France remained empty.
Image: dpa
The tense match between France and Israel in Paris remains peaceful until kick-off. A massive police presence ensures security.
Before the eagerly awaited Nations League match between France and Israel at the Stade de France near Paris, the situation remained calm until kick-off. Despite the concerns expressed in advance, there were no incidents. A large police contingent had already been securing the stadium and surrounding areas since the afternoon.
The match was classified as a high-risk game by the authorities, according to Paris police chief Laurent Nuñez. A total of 4,000 police officers were deployed to ensure security at the stadium, in the surrounding area and on local transport. In addition, 1,600 security personnel were deployed directly at the venue.
Around 20,000 spectators were expected, including some from Israel, despite a warning from the Israeli National Security Council. Prominent guests included France's head of state Emmanuel Macron, Prime Minister Michel Barnier and former presidents Nicolas Sarkozy and François Hollande, who watched the match from the stands.
Demonstration near the stadium
In the early evening, hundreds of demonstrators gathered near the stadium under the slogan "You don't play with genocide" to protest against the football match. A dpa reporter reported that the situation on the ground remained calm.
Security concerns were heightened by targeted attacks on Israeli soccer fans in Amsterdam last Thursday. The Israeli National Security Council had generally called on its citizens to exercise caution at events abroad. In particular, sporting and cultural events involving Israeli teams or artists should be avoided, as the Haaretz newspaper reported, citing the Security Council.
dpa
