France’s Nations League game at home to Israel was watched by a reportedly “almost empty” Stade de France, with footage appearing to show an alleged altercation between a group of “around 50 individuals” and an Israeli flag involved.
Around 400 pro-Palestine protesters gathered outside the stadium, according to GFFN, which shared a photo via author Tariq Panja showing large numbers of empty seats at the 80,000-capacity stadium.
The estimated crowd was around 20,000, Foot Mercato said, adding: “This is the lowest audience in the history of the Saint-Denis stadium for a Bleus match.
“This situation is explained by the tense geopolitical context and by reinforced security measures, with more than 4,000 police officers mobilised.”
The Stade de France is almost empty for France-Israel. An attendance of 20,000 at the 80,000 capacity stadium was touted pre-match amid a boycott. Pre-match, around 400 pro-Palestine protesters gathered outside the stadium.
📸 @tariqpanja pic.twitter.com/cjSK3AHix3
— Get French Football News (@GFFN) November 14, 2024
France vs Israel: Report of ‘fight’
The match fell a day before the first anniversary of Israel playing their first home match in Hungary because of the war with Hamas.
Currently managed by Ran Ben Shimon, the League A Group 2 team have been hosting opponents in Budapest during the conflict.
Footage from inside the Stade de France show a fight, reportedly involving around 50 individuals, according to RMC Sport, between France fans and individuals brandishing an Israeli flag. pic.twitter.com/7CPE0jJKT6
— Get French Football News (@GFFN) November 14, 2024
A clip shared by Foot Mercato reporter Jules Kutos Bertin appeared to show two groups attempting to confront each other in the Stade de France stands, with at least two people wearing Israeli flags.
GFFN cited RMC Sport and alleged the footage showed “a fight, reportedly involving around 50 individuals… between France fans and individuals brandishing an Israeli flag.”
There is a considerable police presence at tonight’s match at the Stade de France between France and Israel.
4,000 officers will be on duty with just 20,000 fans expected at the 80,000-seater stadium. pic.twitter.com/OMntDmQlCe
— Get French Football News (@GFFN) November 14, 2024
France vs Israel: Visitors hold Bleus
Israel had failed to take a point from the first four matches of their Nations League campaign, starting with a 3-1 loss in Belgium and proceeding to a 2-1 defeat at home to Italy.
They were then beaten 4-1 at home by France and 4-1 away to the Azzurri, leaving them all-but certain to finish bottom of the table.
France are ranked second only to Argentina in Fifa’s rankings but could not find a way through as the first half ended goalless.
Didier Deschamps’ squad started the evening a point behind leaders Italy and five ahead of the third-placed Red Devils.
