Paris sticks to France-Israel match at same venue on same day, saying it will not bow to antisemitism

By Necva Tastan Sevinc

ISTANBUL (AA) – France on Friday voiced its opposition to relocating the upcoming France-Israel match, claiming that doing so would represent giving in to threats of violence and antisemitism.

"Some have called for the relocation of the France-Israel match. I do not accept this: France will not back down, as this would be akin to surrendering to threats of violence and antisemitism," French Interior Minister Bruno Retailleau said in a statement on X.

France should not succumb to such pressures, he said, emphasizing the importance of keeping the match as scheduled.

At his request, Retailleau said Paris Police Chief Laurent Nunez has taken the necessary security measures to ensure the match proceeds at the Stade de France, the venue for the match.

Earlier this week, a pro-Palestine group protested at the French Football Federation (FFF) building in Paris, opposing a Nations League match between France and Israel on Nov. 14 at Stade de France.

Around 20 activists gathered at the FFF headquarters, displaying banners that read "Criminal Israel, Accomplice FFF," "No to France-Israel Match at Stade de France," and "Stop Genocide, Silence Kills."

Wearing red gloves, the protesters condemned Israel's military actions in Gaza and Lebanon. They also hung a Palestinian flag inside the building. Social media footage circulating since Monday showed police are securing the area.

Meanwhile, Amsterdam experienced a surge of violence on Thursday when supporters of Israel's Maccabi Tel Aviv soccer team reportedly stormed the city, tearing down Palestinian flags, clashing with bystanders, and confronting law enforcement both before and after their match against Ajax.

Videos shared on social media depict Maccabi fans vandalizing property, attacking a local taxi driver, and setting a Palestinian flag ablaze.

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu condemned what he described as "violence against Israeli citizens," calling for urgent Dutch action to protect Israeli nationals and dispatching rescue planes to assist those affected.

Amsterdam Mayor Femke Halsema also highlighted heightened tensions in the city amid the ongoing Gaza conflict, designating "risk zones" for extra police checks and banning a nearby pro-Palestine protest to prevent clashes.

Local police reported boosting their presence, intervening in multiple incidents, and making several arrests.