France's defender Dayot Upamecano spoke at a press conference in Clairefontaine-en-Yvelines on Tuesday. — AFP
Defender Dayot Upamecano acknowledged on Tuesday that a low turnout for France's high-security Nations League match against Israel at the Stade de France on Thursday could be expected. French media anticipate only 20,000 fans in the 80,000-capacity stadium north of Paris, where President Emmanuel Macron will be present under heightened security, with 2,500 police officers around the stadium, 1,500 across the city, and 1,600 stadium staff deployed.
Last week, Israeli fans were assaulted in Amsterdam by groups hurling anti-Israeli insults, resulting in at least five injuries following Maccabi Tel Aviv's Europa League game against Ajax. Some Maccabi supporters were also observed chanting anti-Arab slogans ahead of Thursday's match.
On Sunday, Israel advised its citizens to avoid attending cultural and sports events abroad involving Israelis in the coming week. A survey conducted by French supporters' group Les Irreductibles Français among its members revealed that 15% would boycott the France-Israel match due to the Israel-Gaza conflict. Approximately 30% cited 'security risks,' while 34% mentioned practical reasons such as unavailability or being on holiday.
'I can understand why people don’t want to come. It’s their choice. We’ll keep going, we’ll fight on the pitch,' said 26-year-old center-back Upamecano during the press conference on Tuesday.
Dutch police reported that they removed over 300 pro-Palestinian protesters who disregarded a ban on demonstrations in Amsterdam on Sunday and detained 50 more following clashes involving Israeli soccer fans last week.
'We will stay focused on the upcoming match. Sorry I didn't see what happened in Amsterdam,' Upamecano added. When asked if the France-Israel match should have been relocated, he responded, 'Somewhere else? I don't know at all. I'm just here to play. I've loved playing football since I was little.'
'Yesterday was November 11 (Armistice Day). I love peace, I hope that one day we'll find it again, in every country.' France is currently second in Nations League Group A2 with nine points from four games, trailing Italy by one point and leading Belgium by five. Israel remains at the bottom of the four-team standings without a point.
The Europa League match between Turkish side Besiktas and Maccabi Tel-Aviv on November 28 will be held at a neutral venue in Hungary, according to European soccer's governing body Uefa on Monday.
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