A total of 40 arrests were made during the tense UEFA Nations League match between France and Israel at the Stade de France in Paris on Thursday night. The match, which ended in a goalless draw, allowed France to qualify for the quarter-finals but was overshadowed by security concerns and incidents in the stands.
The game held added significance due to recent tensions involving Israeli football fans and was played under strict security measures. Following an attack on supporters of Israeli club Maccabi Tel Aviv in Amsterdam last week, French authorities launched a large-scale security operation. Approximately 4,000 police officers and 1,600 civilian security personnel were deployed to ensure the safety of fans both inside and outside the stadium.
Despite these precautions, tensions flared briefly during the match, prompting stewards to step in and prevent clashes between fans of both nations. Paris police chief Laurent Nunez reported that a fight broke out in the stands but was quickly managed by stadium staff, preventing further escalation. Nunez commended the effectiveness of the security measures, stating, “The security operation worked very well. We were prepared, and the situation was handled swiftly.”
While the match itself was uneventful in terms of scoring, the significant security presence underscored the tense atmosphere surrounding international football matches involving Israel. France, despite the surrounding tensions, successfully secured their place in the quarter-finals, providing a positive outcome for the team amid the challenges.
The extensive security operation, which was meticulously coordinated, serves as a reminder of the difficulties in hosting international events in a climate of heightened political tensions. As France progresses in the competition, authorities are expected to maintain strict measures to ensure the safety of players and fans alike.
