Defender Dayot Upamecano acknowledged the understandable reasons behind a potential low turnout for France's upcoming high-security Nations League match against Israel at the Stade de France on Thursday. With heightened security measures and recent incidents involving Israeli soccer fans abroad, the low attendance expected for the match is seen as a direct response to the ongoing Israel-Gaza conflict and the safety concerns surrounding such events.
The match, set to take place in the 80,000-capacity stadium north of Paris, is anticipated to draw only around 20,000 spectators. French media reports highlight the tight security in place, with 2,500 police officers stationed around the stadium, 1,500 officers deployed across the city, and an additional 1,600 staff members inside the stadium. The French President, Emmanuel Macron, is also expected to attend the match, underscoring the significant security precautions in place.
The tension surrounding the game has been fueled by recent violent incidents involving Israeli soccer fans. In Amsterdam, Israeli supporters were attacked by groups shouting anti-Israeli slogans, resulting in at least five injuries. The situation led Israel’s government to advise its citizens to refrain from attending cultural and sports events abroad that involve Israelis during the coming week.
French supporters' group Les Irreductibles Français conducted a survey revealing that 15% of respondents would boycott the match due to the Israel-Gaza conflict, while 30% cited concerns about security risks. Meanwhile, 34% mentioned practical reasons such as unavailability or lack of holiday time.
Upamecano, 26, expressed understanding toward the fans who might choose not to attend, acknowledging that everyone has the right to make their own decision. "I can understand why people don’t want to come. It’s their choice. We’ll keep going, we’ll fight on the pitch," he said during a press conference on Tuesday. Despite the circumstances, the French centre-back stressed his commitment to focusing on the match, emphasizing his passion for football.
When questioned about the possibility of moving the match to another venue, Upamecano was non-committal, stating that his role was simply to play and that he had no input on such decisions. He also expressed his hope for peace, referencing the significance of Armistice Day, celebrated on November 11, and his desire for global peace in the future.
As for the Nations League standings, France is currently second in Group A2, trailing Italy by a point but maintaining a five-point lead over Belgium. Israel, on the other hand, is at the bottom of the group without a single point. The political and security challenges surrounding the match serve as a backdrop to the sporting drama, highlighting how broader global issues impact the world of football.
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