A FIGHT erupted between Israel and France fans during a Nations League match in Paris last night.
The incident began just 10 minutes into the game that kicked off at 8.45pm, when a small group of fans clashed in the upper stands, triggering a rapid response from stadium security.
Extra security measures had been put in place around the match, with authorities on high alert following violence in Amsterdam before and after a Europa League match between Ajax and Maccabi Tel Aviv last week.
Only an estimated 20,000 tickets had been sold, with around 150 Israel supporters expected in the 80,000-capacity ground, many holding flags during the national anthems.
Despite the sparse crowd, tensions remained high, with some flash points between rival fans in the stands during the early stages as security staff moved in to restore order.
Footage on social media is unclear as to who started the skirmish, with one phone recording showing fans fleeing their seats – although some witnesses accused a group of Israel fans of launching the attack.
AT LEAST 2 French supporters have been attacked by a mob of Israeli fans inside the Stade de France during the France vs Israel game.@UEFA this game should have never been allowed to go ahead. You have put the life of fans at risk. pic.twitter.com/OGzSZtuwn3
— Leyla Hamed (@leylahamed) November 14, 2024
A mobile phone recording (above) shows the moment fans fled their seats as the chaos erupted in the Stade de France.
Paris had a heavy police presence before and after the match, in reaction to the violence that erupted in Amsterdam last week.
French police chief Laurent Nunez said 4000 officers and security staff were deployed around the Stade de France, with another 1500 police on public transport.
Paris authorities were on high alert following the violence in Amsterdam before and after a Europa League match between Ajax and Maccabi Tel Aviv.
A number of Maccabi fans attacked a cab and chanted anti-Arab slogans while some men carried out “hit and run” attacks on people they thought were Jews, according to Mayor Femke Halsema.
After the match, parts of a large group of Maccabi supporters armed with sticks ran around “destroying things”, a 12-page report on the violence issued by Amsterdam authorities said.
