Relief after trouble-free start to Israel's football campaign
Sports | 26 Jul 2024
Israel's opening football match against Mali passed the Olympics' first major security test as fans from both sides sought to play down the political context and enjoy the action.
France deployed about 1,000 police officers, backed by Israel's own internal security service, for the evening kick-off. They cordoned off the streets around the Parc des Princes in western Paris.
The Games take place amid pronounced security concerns and heightened geopolitical tensions, including over Israel's war in Gaza. Israeli competitors are being escorted by elite tactical units and given 24-hour protection, organizers say.
But the Group D match, which ended in a 1-1 draw, and was attended by French Interior Minister Gerald Darmanin and Israeli President Isaac Herzog, was spared of any major incidents.
The Israeli national anthem was initially booed before those cries were drowned out. A few spectators waved Palestinian flags.
A handful of people at the start of the game stood near the pitch wearing white t-shirts each with letters that read "Free Palestine." After a minute stewards intervened.
The heavy security presence appeared to dampen any hope of protests against Israel's participation in the Games.
"We are here for the football and we shouldn't mix politics with football," said Franco-Malian Kouma, 31, who works in the restaurant business.
The Games take place five decades after Palestinian militants killed 11 Israeli athletes at the 1972 Munich Olympics.
"We came here to win and achieve things with this team and are very excited," Israel midfielder Omri Gandelman said. "We have a job to do."
REUTERS
