Israeli soccer fans clash with France supporters as Paris put on high alert after Amsterdam attacks

Israeli and French fans got into a brief altercation during Thursday’s Nations League soccer game, which had heavy security presence following the antisemitic violence in Amsterdam this week.

Just after the game kicked off at 8:45 p.m., local time, officials reported a small brawl between Israeli and French soccer fans at a top section of the Stade de France, in Saint-Denis.

Some of those involved in the scuffle were wearing Israeli flags draped over their backs as they wrestled with other people in the stands.

After the events in Amsterdam, Israelis were warned to take caution by their government. AP

Security officials rushed to stop the fighting, which only lasted a minute, according to local police. It remains unclear what caused the altercation.

Prior to the match, 4,000 police officers and security staff were deployed to the stadium to maintain peace following two nights of violence Amsterdam, with an additional 1,500 officers stationed at the city’s public transport sites.

“What we learned from Amsterdam is that we need to be present in the public space, including far away from the stadium,” said French police chief Laurent Nuñez.

Reporters at the game noted that the sheer police presence appeared to outnumber the actual number of fans who turned up for the game over fears of another mass attack of Jewish fans.

With Post wires

This is a developing story, please check back for updates.