Paris sees historic low attendance for France vs Israel match

The UEFA Nations League match between France and Israel at the Stade de France witnessed a historic low turnout, with only 16,611 spectators present in the 80,000-capacity stadium.

The game, which ended in a goalless draw, saw heightened security and political tensions overshadow the event.

Around 4,000 police officers and 1,600 security personnel, including riot police, were deployed to ensure safety, following days of escalating protests.

The national anthem of Israel was met with boos from sections of the crowd, prompting brief clashes. Meanwhile, a pro-Palestinian demonstration near the stadium in St-Denis was dispersed by police.

Among the attendees were French President Emmanuel Macron and Prime Minister Michel Barnier. Macron’s presence drew criticism from political figures like MP Éric Coquerel, who accused the government of tacitly supporting Israel amid its ongoing conflict in Gaza.

Despite the political undertones, the match concluded without major incidents of violence.

Around 100 Israeli fans, defying travel advisories, attended the game, holding yellow balloons and chanting for the release of hostages held in Gaza.

The match reignited debates over Israel’s participation in UEFA, given its geographical location outside Europe.

The low attendance and protests underscore the ongoing tensions surrounding the event, reflecting broader political and social divides across Europe.

Israel was admitted as an associated member of UEFA in 1992 and was admitted as a full member in 1994, despite not being in Europe.

It came after Israel was banned from the Asian Football Confederation (AFC) group of FIFA in 1974.

Calls for Israel to be banned completely from FIFA have intensified after its implementation of apartheid policies. Many have called for Israel to be banned along the same lines as apartheid-era South Africa.

Those calls have been unsuccessful so far.