From the Liveblog of
Thursday, November 14, 2024
After physical altercations in stands at Paris match, Israel holds France to 0-0 tie
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PARIS — After physical altercations break out at the Israel-France Nations League game at the Stade de France, orange-vested security personnel create a buffer zone separating two sections, one of which has many Israel supporters waving blue and white flags.
The game ends in a 0-0 draw — a highly impressive achievement for Israel. France were the defeated finalists in the 2022 World Cup.
Though the stadium is believed to be at record-low capacity with an estimated 20,000 attendees, many more Israelis appear to be in the crowd than previously expected.
French-Jewish fans Menachem Cohen, 18, and Dov Ber Cerf, 21, say the booing heard each time Israel charges with the ball goes far beyond the usual levels of home team support.
A physical altercation at the France v Israel Nations League game at the Stade de France, Paris, November 14, 2024. (Maor Bokobza)
“We came because we wanted to show that we support Israel, that we are not afraid of anyone, and we won’t be intimidated by anyone. There’s a God [to protect us], and all will be okay, God willing,” they say.
French authorities stepped up security ahead of the Israel-France Nations League soccer match in Paris, hoping to avoid a repeat of the violent clashes in Amsterdam a week earlier.
Attending the game are French President Emmanuel Macron, Prime Minister Michel Barnier, former president Nicolas Sarkozy, former French president François Hollande, Israel’s ambassador Joshua Zarka and many other French officials.
Agencies contributed to this report.
The Times of Israel Community.