Alsharq Tribune - world News
Video footage of their action posted on social media and circulating in French media showed protesters inside the federation's headquarters in Paris lying on the floor or holding placards with political slogans and Palestinian flags. Some protesters also chanted: “No, no, no to the France-Israel game at the Stade de France.” The French soccer federation did not immediately respond to a request for comments from The Associated Press. According to local media, the demonstrators were calmly evacuated by police. French authorities confirmed last month that the match would go ahead with fans allowed in the stadium after Italy hosted Israel in the same competition without incident despite security concerns. The Nov. 14 match at the Stade de France will be played against the backdrop of the ongoing conflict in the Middle East which has spread to Lebanon after more than a year-long war in Gaza. Israel's match against Italy was the first match the country has played outside neutral Hungary this year. Since 7 October last year, Israel played in Kosovo and Andorra last November. All Israel matches since then have been in Hungary, including a game against Belgium in the Nations League after the Belgian Football Association refused to host the game for security reasons.
