A message was circulated on the pro-Iranian Iraqi channel Sabreen on Sunday calling on “the Muslim community in Paris to do no less than what was done in Amsterdam,” following the lynching of Maccabi Tel Aviv fans over the weekend. Concerns are now rising ahead of Israel's away game against France at Stade de France as part of the Nations League set for Thursday.
“A game between France and Israel will take place on Thursday in Paris,” the message read. “The Zionist fans coming to the game want to enjoy themselves while children, women and civilians in Gaza and Lebanon are being slaughtered. We call on the Muslim community and all free people in Paris to do no less than what was done in Amsterdam. There are many lakes and narrow alleys.”
French Interior Minister Bruno Retailleau announced last Friday that the game would proceed as scheduled. “Some are calling to move the match between France and Israel,” Retailleau wrote on X.
“I don’t accept this: France doesn’t retreat as it would mean yielding to threats of violence and antisemitism. At my request, the police are making the necessary security arrangements for this match to take place at Stade de France, as usual,” he added.
Around 600 Israelis and members of the Jewish community in Paris purchased tickets to the match, but Culture and Sports Minister Miki Zohar advised against attending it and many canceled their plans.
It was previously reported that holding the game behind closed doors was considered, but the French police confirmed back in October that it would take place at Stade de France “under regular conditions.” RMC described the encounter as “the most sensitive match of the year.”
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