France bans Palestinian flags as France sets to host Israel in UEFA Nations League
The Paris Police Chief, Laurent Nunez, has announced a ban on Palestinian flags at the Stade de France for the upcoming UEFA Nations League match between France and Israel.
Speaking to French media, Nunez emphasized the need to keep stadiums free of political displays, specifying that only French and Israeli flags will be permitted during the event.
“There cannot be any politically motivated messages in the stadiums, including Palestinian flags,” Nunez stated. “Only French and Israeli flags will be present in the stadium.”
The decision comes amid heightened tensions and concerns over public displays of support related to the Israel-Palestine conflict, which have sparked clashes in various cities across Europe.
Nunez explained that the move is intended to prevent any politically charged atmosphere within the stadium, allowing fans to enjoy the match in a secure and peaceful setting.
To enforce the ban and ensure public safety, Nunez announced a significant security operation, deploying over 4,000 officers around the stadium and within its perimeter.
Of the, 2,500 personnel will be positioned specifically to secure the Stade de France and handle potential crowd control issues, taking into account recent disturbances in Amsterdam during a similar event.
The France-Israel match is expected to draw international attention, and French authorities are taking precautions to prevent any disruptions and ensure a smooth event.
