There are fears of clashes between Israeli fans and pro-Palestinian supporters during the football game in Paris (Picture: Getty Images/Palestine Emergency @urgence_pal)
Paris is on edge ahead of France’s Nations League clash with Israel tonight after protests in solidarity with Palestine and Lebanon engulfed parts of the French capital in the last 24 hours.
A ring of steel is being erected around State de France in the northern suburb of Saint-Denis where the UEFA Nations League match will unfold in front of a much-depleted crowd as many are choosing to boycott it.
At least 4,000 police officers and 1,600 stadium staff will be deployed to the area as part of a range of security measures.
President Emmanuel Macron is one of the VIPs attending the event, despite fears that it will bring the same level of violence as in Amsterdam last week, when fans of the Israeli club Maccabi Tel Aviv clashed with pro-Palestinian supporters.
What is the security operation ahead of France vs Israel match
Special security measures have been implemented, echoing the Olympic Games this summer when a ring of steel had been erected in the centre of Paris.
Squadrons of police officers have been unleashed in Saint Denis, while businesses in the area have been ordered to close earlier, at 3.45pm.
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At the same time, a double security perimeter will be set up, allowing officers to carry out searches.
Plainclothes police will patrol the stadium and officials will leave the stands close to the field empty. A special police team, RAID, will also guard the Israeli players.
Inside Stade de France, anti-intrusion grilles will be raised around the pitch, while Palestinian flags have been banned during the event.
It appears that the tight security – and the calls to boycott the match – have clearly impacted attendance, with only around 13,000 spectators expected to attend in a venue that holds up to 80,000.
What is the risk of violence during the event
As tensions in Paris are mounting in anticipation of tonight’s game, France’s anti-hooliganism division classified it as ‘very high risk’.
Members of Zionist organisation, Betar, have arrived in Paris ahead of the game
Ahead of the game, Betar, an international Zionist movement, has called for Jews to ‘come to Paris’ and ‘fight back’.
The official X account of the organisation shared a picture of masked men dressed in black and armed with wooden baseball bats, writing that they ‘will be at the game’.
Another picture circulated by Betar shows dozens of its members gathering in the capital, with the caption: ‘Come to Paris friends! [Emoji of a pager] for all jihadis’.
Multiple groups across France, including Jewish organisations opposed to racism and antisemitism, and some left-wing politicians have called for the cancellation of the football game.
Another pro-Palestine protest is scheduled for 6pm today outside the town hall in Saint Denis – before the kick-off.
Armed Betar supporters promised to be at the game
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Source:: Metro