The upcoming France-Israel match, set for Thursday, is drawing attention, not for the game itself but for the heavy security measures in place following the violent riots in Amsterdam
The decision to proceed with the match at Stade de France, despite the heightened security risks, has sparked public debate.
Interior Minister Bruno Retailleau has dismissed suggestions of postponing or relocating the game, saying that it’s important to uphold France’s commitment to hosting international sporting events.
The French Football Federation (FFF) president has remained steadfast in his decision to hold the match at Stade de France with an audience. He views the event as a testament to France’s ability to host international matches regardless of geopolitical tensions.
To ensure the safety of all attendees, the FFF will deploy approximately 2,500 police officers, including 1,600 riot police around Stade de France and in surrounding areas.
Parking areas and nearby businesses will be closed to the public to limit access to the stadium.
To further enhance security, double security checks will be conducted at the stadium entrance, and ticket sales will be limited. Seating close to the pitch will be off limits, and the overall attendance is expected to be significantly lower than usual.
Despite these measures, the match is expected to be a financial burden for the FFF. The reduced ticket sales, coupled with the increased security costs, will impact the federation’s revenue.
The Israeli national team’s visit to France is being handled with discretion, with the exact number of visiting supporters remaining undisclosed and a designated area for away fans.
These measures come after visiting Maccabi Tel Aviv fans caused trouble on Wednesday and Thursday in various parts of the Dutch capital before their UEFA Europa League match against Ajax.
Israeli hooligans clashed with Dutch youth in Amsterdam on Thursday after chanting racist anti-Arab slogans, tearing down Palestinian flags, and ignoring a minute of silence for Spanish flood victims.
Hooligans were seen taking down at least two Palestinian flags from what seemed to be in front of local residents’ homes the night before the game.
Israeli media blamed Dutch supporters of Moroccan descent for the confrontations. According to i24news, Israeli fans were allegedly attacked by Dutch individuals of Turkish and Moroccan background.
On social media, especially on X, Moroccans were praised for their pro-Palestinian support after the Maccabi Tel Aviv and Ajax match, even though no specific nationality was connected to the clashes with the Maccabi Tel Aviv hooligans.
People shared posts applauding Moroccans and mocking Israeli fans for starting the fights but not standing their ground.
One user wrote, “I stand with the Moroccan-Dutch resistance,” while another said, “This is for the children” “Now you know how it feels” “Say Free Palestine” To the Moroccans in Amsterdam… we all love you.”
Another post read, “you can always trust Dutch Moroccans to come through.”
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