Israel versus France
Riots at high-risk game in Paris
Updated 11/14/2024 – 11:58 p.mReading time: 2 min.
Thousands of police officers secure the game between France and Israel. It remained quiet until kick-off – despite protests. In the stadium, however, there are scuffles in the stands.
The high-risk game between France and Israel (0-0) at the Stade de France in Paris took place overshadowed by minor riots. Head of State Emmanuel Macron had to watch in the stands as around 50 people fought in the north curve in the first half of the Nations League game.
Despite the high security precautions, things did not remain quiet in the stadium. The clashes also involved fans carrying Israeli flags, as seen in videos. The security forces and police quickly intervened and separated the two groups. The incident lasted several minutes.
Things remained quiet in Paris until kick-off. A massive police presence had been securing the stadium since the afternoon. According to Paris police chief Laurent Nuñez, the game was considered a high-risk game. 4,000 police officers were deployed for the encounter. They worked in and around the stadium and also in local transport. An additional 1,600 security guards were deployed at the venue.
Many seats in the stadium remained empty; it is estimated that only around 20,000 spectators watched the game, including around 600 Israeli fans. The Stade de France has a spectator capacity of 80,000 people. French head of state Macron and former presidents Nicolas Sarkozy and François Hollande also watched the game in the stands.
After the game, Israel coach Ran Ben Shimon thanked the French authorities for the safety of his team. They organized the high-risk game in an “extraordinary and fantastic way”. “We would like to thank the security people for protecting us. Thank you to the French security and authorities,” Shimon said at a news conference.
In light of the targeted attacks on Israeli football fans in Amsterdam last Thursday, there were concerns about security in the run-up to the France-Israel game. Israel’s National Security Council had generally urged citizens to be cautious at events abroad. They should avoid sporting and cultural events outside Israel that involve Israeli teams or artists, Haaretz newspaper reported.
Interview between Time.news Editor and Dr. Elise Laurent, Political Scientist and Expert on International Sports Events
Time.news Editor (T.N.E.): Good evening, Dr. Laurent. Thank you for joining us today. We’ve seen how tensions can sometimes bleed into sports events, particularly in high-stakes matches like the recent France vs. Israel game in Paris. What were your initial thoughts upon hearing about the riots during the match?
Dr. Elise Laurent (D.E.L.): Thank you for having me. I wasn’t surprised, to be honest. Given the historical and political context between these two nations, any match could be potentially tumultuous. The presence of conflicts surrounding sports events has become more pronounced, and we need to recognize how deeply international politics can impact something as seemingly benign as a football match.
T.N.E.: That’s an interesting point. The article mentions that there were significant protests outside the Stade de France leading up to the game. How do you think the atmosphere outside the stadium might affect the fans and players inside?
D.E.L.: The atmosphere outside the stadium can create an underlying tension that travels inside. Protests signify discontent, and when fans are already riled up before even entering, it can lead to a volatile situation. In this case, having fans with differing political flags and symbols increases the potential for clashes. It’s crucial for the organizers to manage not just security, but also the atmosphere to prevent stories like this from overshadowing the sporting event itself.
T.N.E.: The article mentions that despite a massive police presence, scuffles broke out in the stands shortly after kick-off. What does this tell us about the effectiveness of security measures at such high-risk events?
D.E.L.: The fact that there were clashes despite heightened security suggests that while precautions are necessary, they aren’t always sufficient. Security forces need to not only manage the crowd but also anticipate potential flashpoints. Identifying groups that might clash beforehand and intervening early is crucial. This situation reflects the complex nature of crowd management in sporting events influenced by political tensions.
T.N.E.: Emmanuel Macron was present at the game. Do you think the involvement of state figures can impact the dynamics at such an event?
D.E.L.: Absolutely. The presence of a head of state can add another layer of tension. Macron’s attendance might have underscored the political stakes of the match. Some supporters might see it as a signal to protest, while others may feel bolstered in their support. This dynamic can polarize sections of the crowd even more and provoke both supporters and detractors.
T.N.E.: With the rise of social media, incidents like these are often amplified. Videos of the altercations quickly spread online, influencing public perception. How do you view the role of social media in shaping narratives around such events?
D.E.L.: Social media acts as a double-edged sword in these situations. On one hand, it gives a voice to those protesting, while on the other hand, it can escalate tension by spreading images of violence quickly. Narratives can be formed in real-time, often without context. It can lead to misunderstandings about the causes of unrest or fan support and draw attention away from the event itself. Properly framing these narratives is essential for both the authorities and the media.
T.N.E.: what measures could be implemented in the future to minimize the risk of violence at matches like these?
D.E.L.: First, we need to advocate for better crowd management strategies that incorporate social and political education. This means training security staff in conflict de-escalation and cultural sensitivity. Secondly, it’s vital to involve fan groups in the conversation about security, promoting a culture of mutual respect among different factions. Lastly, implementing a thorough risk assessment that considers not just the immediate event but also the broader socio-political context can help in planning a more appropriate security response.
T.N.E.: Thank you, Dr. Laurent, for sharing your insights on these complex dynamics. It’s clear that the intersection of politics and sports demands careful consideration and active engagement by all stakeholders involved.
D.E.L.: My pleasure! It’s a critical conversation, and I hope we can find ways to make sporting events a safe space for all fans in the future.