This Thursday evening, France hosts Israel as part of the League of Nations. Given the current context, security measures are exceptional. More than 4,000 police officers and gendarmes are mobilized to avoid the scenario we experienced last week in Amsterdam.
It’s a high-risk match, but also very symbolic. Pro-Palestinian demonstrators gathered in Popular Front Square a few hours before the match. No overflow for the moment, but the demonstration is being scrutinized very closely. Reinforced security, also around and inside the Stade de France. Since this morning, the streets have been blocked, preventive searches have been carried out and surrounding businesses have been closed.
In total, 4,000 police and gendarmes deployed and around 1,600 security agents mobilized. “I have confidence in the security means that have been put in place, the mobilization of the Ministry of the Interior, the Paris police headquarters, to ensure that this match goes as smoothly as possible.“says Yonathan Arfi, president of the Council of Representatives of Jewish Institutions.
Inside the stadium, the first rows closest to the field will not be accessible to spectators. Black tarpaulins separate the stands to prevent crowd movements and barriers prevent any attempt to trespass on the pitch. The system is exceptional for a match classified as high risk. Objective, to avoid reliving the same scenes of violence as in Amsterdam last week. “What we learned from Amsterdam is that we must obviously be present in the public space, including in depth, including very far from the stadium and ensure optimal protection of all spectators, particularly on their journey back to their place of residence or place of accommodation“, explains Laurent Nuñez, police prefect.
Attendance at the stadium will be very low. Only 15,000 spectators are expected, while the venue can accommodate up to 80,000 people.
France Israel football
