Upamecano states that low attendance for the France-Israel match would be understandable

Defender Dayot Upamecano stated on Tuesday that a low turnout for France’s high-security Nations League soccer match against Israel at the Stade de France on Thursday would be understandable.

French media anticipate a turnout of merely 20,000 fans at the 80,000-capacity stadium located north of Paris. President Emmanuel Macron is set to attend, with stringent security measures in place, including 2,500 police officers surrounding the stadium, 1,500 throughout the city, and 1,600 stadium staff assigned to ensure safety.

Last week in Amsterdam, groups shouting anti-Israeli slurs attacked Israeli soccer fans, resulting in at least five injuries following Maccabi Tel Aviv’s Europa League match against Ajax.

Prior to Thursday’s match, certain Maccabi supporters were observed chanting slogans that were anti-Arab in nature.

On Sunday, Israel advised its citizens to refrain from participating in cultural and sports events abroad that involve Israelis during the upcoming week.

The supporters’ group Les Irreductibles Français conducted a survey among its members, revealing that 15% would boycott the France-Israel match because of the Israel-Gaza war.

Approximately 30% mentioned “security risks,” while 34% pointed to practical reasons like unavailability or lack of holiday time.

I can see why individuals might be hesitant to attend. It is their decision. “We will continue to push forward and battle on the field,” said 26-year-old center-back Upamecano during a 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 an additional 50 individuals after clashes with Israeli soccer fans the previous week.

We will maintain our concentration on the forthcoming match. Apologies for not witnessing the events in Amsterdam,” Upamecano remarked.

When asked whether the France-Israel match should have been relocated, he responded: “Somewhere else?” I have no idea whatsoever. I’m simply here to have some fun. Since my childhood, I have had a deep passion for playing football.

Yesterday marked November 11, known as Armistice Day. I cherish peace and hold onto the hope that one day it will be restored in every nation.

France sits in second place in Nations League Group A2 with nine points from four matches, trailing Italy by one point and leading Belgium by five. Israel sits at the bottom of the four-team standings, having yet to earn a point.

On Monday, European soccer’s governing body UEFA announced that the Europa League match between Turkish side Besiktas and Maccabi Tel-Aviv on Nov. 28 will take place at a neutral venue in Hungary.