France has announced an extensive security operation for the upcoming Nations League match between France and Israel at the Stade de France on Thursday, with 4,000 police officers set to patrol the stadium, public transport, and wider Paris.
Paris police chief Laurent Nunez classified the game as “high risk” due to the sensitive geopolitical situation, adding that an elite unit will provide additional protection for the Israeli team.
The decision follows violent scenes at an Ajax vs. Maccabi Tel Aviv game in Amsterdam earlier this week, where clashes erupted after Tel Aviv fans made racial and derogatory chants about Gaza and Arabs generally and also booed during a minute silence for the victims of the Valencia flood.
In response, Nunez said the police would maintain a zero-tolerance approach to any disorder surrounding the event, ensuring safety before, during, and after the match.
