Nations League: Police before Israel game: security conditions guaranteed

Before the Nations League game between France and Israel, which is considered sensitive, the Paris police chief appeared confident despite possible tensions. “All safety conditions are guaranteed – in traffic, access to the stadium, during the game,” Laurent Nuñez told France Info. He stressed: “For those who want to cause trouble, the response of the security forces under my authority will be extremely decisive.”

Nuñez said there was no specific threat against the game in the evening (8:45 p.m.) at the Stade de France in Paris. “But it remains a high-risk game in the international context we know.” You have to stay focused.

France is deploying 4,000 police officers for the game, and unusually some of them will also be in the stadium itself – in addition to security staff. The police will also be deployed on local transport and at various locations in the city.

“What we take away from Amsterdam is that we need to be present in public spaces, even very far from the stadium,” said Nuñez. The Paris police chief assured that the law enforcement officers were also keeping an eye on social media. “We will recognize any gathering of people with belligerent intentions.” He invites the fans to come to the game. Only around 20,000 spectators are expected.

Pro-Palestinian demonstration announced

In Saint-Denis, where the Stade de France is also located, a pro-Palestinian demonstration has been announced for the evening. According to the police chief, it will most likely be moved to a location a little further away from the stadium.

There are concerns about security following the targeted attacks on Israeli football fans in Amsterdam last Thursday. Israel’s National Security Council generally called on citizens to exercise caution at events abroad. They should avoid sporting and cultural events outside Israel in which Israeli teams or artists take part, the Haaretz newspaper reported, citing the Security Council.