Israel’s men’s soccer team received a cold reception from fans at the Parc des Princes in Paris on Wednesday night as it debuted his Olympic Games against Mali.
Fans booed and whistled inside the stadium as the Israeli national anthem was played. The volume of the stadium loudspeaker was increased, apparently in an attempt to drown out the boos. Israeli footballers then they had to face boos every time they touched the ball.
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Israel enters the field before the men’s Group D match between Israel and Mali at Parc des Princes during the 2024 Summer Olympics on Wednesday, July 24, 2024 in Paris. (AP Photo/Aurelien Morissard)
Israeli head coach Guy Luzon welcomed the protests at a news conference on Tuesday.
“We need to organize the strongest demonstrations,” he said at the time, via Ynet News. “They will force us to make more efforts.”
The match against Mali was tense, and the team arrived under heavy police escort. Armed police patrolled the stadium in an attempt to calm tensions. However, videos on social media showed clashes between fans.
In one particular case, a woman was holding a Palestinian flag. Two other people holding Palestinian flags then stood next to her. Security officers intervened.
Fans react as they watch the men’s Group D match between Israel and Mali at Parc des Princes during the 2024 Summer Olympics, Wednesday, July 24, 2024 in Paris. (AP Photo/Rebecca Blackwell)
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“We owe this security to the whole world,” said French Interior Minister Gérald Darmanin. “The threats to our country are the threats to the Western world.”
Meanwhile, Israel and Mali were playing to a 1-1 draw – both gaining points in Group D. Israel will face Paraguay on Saturday.
Paris is deploying 35,000 police officers every day of the Olympics, including around 45,000 for the opening ceremonies on the Seine.
Israel’s Oscar Gloukh runs with the ball between Mali’s Ahmed Diomande, right, and Mali’s Salam Jiddou, left, during the men’s Group D match between Israel and Mali at Parc des Princes during the 2024 Summer Olympics, Wednesday, July 24, 2024 in Paris. (AP Photo/Rebecca Blackwell)
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France is also receiving aid from more than 40 countries which have sent nearly 2,000 police reinforcements.
The Associated Press contributed to this report.
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