The Nations League match between France and Israel began without incident, despite the security concerns expressed in the run-up to the game. A massive police presence ensured a calm atmosphere around the Stade de France.
The eagerly awaited Nations League match between France and Israel at the Stade de France began without incident. Despite the concerns expressed in advance, the kick-off took place in a calm atmosphere. The stadium had already been secured by a massive police presence since the afternoon.
The match was classified as a high-risk game by the authorities, as Paris police chief Laurent Nuñez announced. 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. High-ranking personalities such as France's head of state Emmanuel Macron and Prime Minister Michel Barnier as well as former presidents Nicolas Sarkozy and François Hollande were also present in the stands.
Demonstration near the stadium
A demonstration took place near the stadium in the early evening, with hundreds protesting against the match under the slogan "You don't play with genocide". A dpa reporter reported that the situation on site remained calm.
Security concerns were heightened by targeted attacks on Israeli football fans in Amsterdam last Thursday. The Israeli National Security Council had warned its citizens to be careful at events abroad and to avoid sporting and cultural events involving Israeli teams or artists, the Haaretz newspaper reported.
SDA
