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The French team will play well in France. After the violence on the sidelines of the Europa League football match in Amsterdam between Ajax and Maccabi Tel-Aviv on the night between Thursday and Friday, the match between the Blues and Israel, scheduled for November 14 at the Stade de France, will not be postponed. announced on Friday 8 November by the Minister of the Interior Bruno Retailleau.
“Some are asking for the transfer of France-Israel match. I don’t accept it: France is not holding back because it would be equivalent to abdicating in the face of threats of violence and anti-Semitism”wrote Bruno Retailleau on his X account. “At my request, Police Prefect Laurent Nunez is taking the necessary security measures for this match to take place at the Stade de France, as usual.” he added.
Some are calling for the France-Israel match to be moved. I don’t accept it: France is not backing down because it would be equivalent to abdicating in the face of threats of violence and anti-Semitism.
At my request, the police chief, @NunezLaurent adopt safety measures…— Bruno Retailleau (@BrunoRetailleau) November 8, 2024
The RN deputy Julien Odoul proposed on Thursday to move the meeting of the League of Nations to Corsica while, at the beginning of November, the Insoumis Louis Boyard called for its definitive cancellation. ”I don’t want this match to happen” said the deputy for Val-de-Marne, presenting a petition calling for the cancellation of this meeting of the League of Nations.
The first leg, played on 10 October and won by the Blues (4-1), was played in Budapest. On 6 September the League of Nations meeting between Belgium and Israel did not take place in Brussels, as initially planned. He had been transferred to Debrecen in Hungary for security reasons.
A strengthened security system
For the match, 2,500 security forces will be mobilized, distributed in the stadium and in the Israeli selection hotel. CRS companies will also patrol Paris. the front rows of the Stade de France, closest to the pitch, will not be occupied, to avoid any invasion of the pitch, another police source told AFP. The Stade de France however is not expected to be full, according to the same source, with less than 20,000 tickets sold.
Benjamin Netanyahu also ordered Mossad, Israel’s foreign intelligence, to develop an action plan to prevent violence at future sporting events. Israeli authorities also urged fans to avoid Maccabi Tel Aviv’s basketball game on Friday night against Bologna in Italy, casting doubt on the presence of Israeli fans for the match against France next week.
Time.news Editor: Welcome to this special interview edition of Time.news. Today, we have the privilege of speaking with Dr. Emily Cohen, a political analyst specializing in sports and social issues. We’re diving into the controversy surrounding the upcoming match between the French national team and the national team of Israel at the Stade de France, set for November 14. Dr. Cohen, thank you for joining us.
Dr. Emily Cohen: Thank you for having me. It’s a pleasure to discuss this significant topic with you.
Time.news Editor: Let’s start with the background. Following violent incidents at a recent match in Amsterdam, there have been calls from various political figures to move the game in response to security concerns. Why is there such a push for relocation?
Dr. Emily Cohen: The calls for relocation stem from a mixture of security anxiety and broader socio-political undercurrents. The incident involving Ajax and Maccabi Tel Aviv created a palpable tension around events involving Israeli teams. For many, the fear is not just about immediate safety, but also a long-standing unease surrounding anti-Semitism, especially in these volatile times. Moving the match seems to some as a preventive measure.
Time.news Editor: Yes, and we saw Interior Minister Bruno Retailleau firmly reject those calls, stating it would mean “abdicating in the face of threats.” How significant is this stance?
Dr. Emily Cohen: Retailleau’s stance is quite significant as it reflects a broader political commitment to not allowing violence or threats to dictate governmental actions or societal norms. His refusal to move the match indicates a determination to uphold the principles of freedom and resilience in the face of adversity. It also reflects a political strategy where assertiveness is favored to resonate with supporters who value strength against perceived threats.
Time.news Editor: It is indeed a strong statement. Meanwhile, some politicians, like RN deputy Julien Odoul, have suggested alternative venues such as Corsica. What does this kind of proposal suggest about the political landscape?
Dr. Emily Cohen: Such proposals illustrate the complex interplay between sports, national identity, and regional politics. It indicates that sport isn’t just about the game; it’s deeply intertwined with sentiments of belonging, safety, and national pride. Odoul’s suggestion also highlights regionalism within France, where locations like Corsica might be viewed as both practical and symbolically safe, distancing the match from potential conflict in larger cities.
Time.news Editor: That makes a lot of sense. With the event approaching, what kind of security measures do you expect to see in place, given the current climate?
Dr. Emily Cohen: We can expect significant security enhancements, including increased police presence, surveillance, and possibly even heightened checks at entry points. The police chief, as mentioned in Retailleau’s statement, will likely coordinate with intelligence agencies to assess threats and ensure that contingency plans are robust. The aim will be to create an atmosphere where fans can enjoy the match without fear.
Time.news Editor: And what implications does this have for the relationship between sports and society, especially in terms of community engagement and public sentiment?
Dr. Emily Cohen: The implications are multifaceted. On one hand, the match could serve as a unifying event—bringing different communities together in a celebration of sport. On the other hand, if security issues do arise, it could exacerbate tensions and create divisions. It’s a crucial moment that highlights how sporting events can become a microcosm for larger societal issues. The way authorities manage this situation will be instrumental in shaping public perception moving forward.
Time.news Editor: An important observation. As we wrap up, what do you think is the takeaway from this situation?
Dr. Emily Cohen: The overarching takeaway is the need for balance—between safeguarding individuals’ rights to participate in cultural events and maintaining security in an increasingly complex socio-political landscape. The outcome of this match will not only affect sports rhetoric but could also impact discussions around safety, community cohesion, and how we engage with cultural events in a roundabout way.
Time.news Editor: Thank you, Dr. Cohen, for your insights today. It certainly provides a deeper understanding of the nuances involved in this event.
Dr. Emily Cohen: Thank you for having me. It was an engaging discussion!