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Join Telegram ChannelIsrael's men's soccer team received a chilly reception from fans at the Parc des Princes in Paris on Wednesday night as they opened their Olympics against Mali.
Fans booed and whistled inside the stadium as the Israeli national anthem was played. The stadium loudspeaker turned up the volume in an attempt to drown out the booing. Israeli soccer players were then booed every time they touched the ball.
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Israel enters the field before the men's Group D match between Israel and Mali at Parc des Princes during the 2024 Summer Olympics on Wednesday, July 24, 2024 in Paris. (AP Photo/Aurelien Morissard)
Israeli head coach Guy Luzon welcomed the protests at a news conference on Tuesday.
“We need to organize the strongest demonstrations,” he said at the time, via Ynet News. “They will force us to make more efforts.”
The match against Mali was tense, and the team arrived under heavy police escort. Armed police patrolled the stadium in an attempt to calm tensions. However, videos on social media showed clashes between fans.
In one particular case, a woman was holding a Palestinian flag. Two other people holding Palestinian flags then stood next to her. Security officers intervened.
Fans react as they watch the men's Group D match between Israel and Mali at Parc des Princes during the 2024 Summer Olympics, Wednesday, July 24, 2024 in Paris. (AP Photo/Rebecca Blackwell)
France crushes US men's soccer team in Paris Olympics kickoff
“We owe this security to the whole world,” said French Interior Minister Gérald Darmanin. “The threats to our country are the threats to the Western world.”
Meanwhile, Israel and Mali drew 1-1, with both teams earning points in Group D. Israel will face Paraguay on Saturday.
Paris is deploying 35,000 police officers every day of the Olympics, including around 45,000 for the opening ceremonies on the Seine.
Israel's Oscar Gloukh runs with the ball between Mali's Ahmed Diomande, right, and Mali's Salam Jiddou, left, during the men's Group D match between Israel and Mali at Parc des Princes during the 2024 Summer Olympics, Wednesday, July 24, 2024 in Paris. (AP Photo/Rebecca Blackwell)
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France is also receiving aid from more than 40 countries which have sent nearly 2,000 police reinforcements.
The Associated Press contributed to this report.
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