A minor scuffle broke out during the Nations League match between France and Israel at Stade de France on Thursday, despite thousands of police and strict security measures. The heightened precautions followed violent antisemitic attacks on Israeli Maccabi Tel Aviv fans in Amsterdam the previous week, prompting France to bolster security to prevent similar incidents.
Some 4,000 police officers and 1,600 stadium personnel patrolled the Stade de France and its surroundings, with authorities aiming to ensure the safety of an estimated 12,000 to 13,000 fans—a low turnout for the venue, which holds up to 80,000 spectators.
Officers from France’s elite RAID unit joined the effort, while an “anti-terrorist security perimeter” established by French Interior Minister Bruno Retailleau involved dual ID checks and searches at entry points. The match itself ended without further incident, concluding in a 0-0 draw.
The need for a robust security operation became apparent after incidents in Amsterdam where Israeli fans were reportedly “hunted” and attacked following Maccabi Tel Aviv’s 5-0 defeat to Ajax.
Thursday’s match in Paris attracted the attention of high-profile French leaders, with President Emmanuel Macron making a rare appearance to “send a message of fraternity and solidarity,” according to the Élysée Palace. Macron’s presence was bolstered by Prime Minister Keir Starmer and two former French presidents, Nicolas Sarkozy and François Hollande, presenting a unified stance against antisemitism and sectarian violence.
The Stade de France became a symbol of heightened vigilance, just days after French police were asked to respond to a display of “Free Palestine” banners by Paris Saint-Germain fans at a Champions League fixture. The display stirred further controversy, with Minister Retailleau urging sports clubs to monitor and prevent overtly political statements during matches. Speaking to lawmakers, he stressed the importance of preventing “politics from damaging sport,” pledging strict sanctions against clubs that fail to curb political displays.
Retailleau’s assertive approach is evident in his recent handling of reactions to the Amsterdam attacks. The minister urged prosecutors to investigate remarks from Marie Mesmeur, a far-left lawmaker, who claimed the attacks on Israeli fans in Amsterdam were a response to “racist and genocidal” views, rather than a result of antisemitism.
The recent increase in antisemitic incidents has become a growing concern for French officials. Retailleau highlighted that although France’s Jewish community represents less than 1% of the population, it accounts for over half of the country’s recorded racist and anti-religious attacks. With the nation hosting Europe’s largest Jewish and one of the largest Muslim populations, France faces unique challenges in balancing security measures with the risk of political and social backlash.
France’s response to the recent violence marks a strong stance against antisemitism and demonstrates the government’s commitment to protecting Jewish communities. The game provided a high-profile platform for French officials to reaffirm their stance amidst growing international and domestic concerns over sectarian violence.
Paris Deploys 4,000 Police Officers to Secure France-Israel UEFA Nations League Match
