Security ramped up for France-Israel game following Amsterdam violence

Thousands of police will be on the streets in Paris tonight ahead of a football match between France and Israel.

Security has been ramped up after violence in Amsterdam last week, when Maccabi Tel Aviv played Ajax.

4,000 officers will be on patrol in the French capital including 2,500 at the Stade de France and the rest elsewhere in the city and on public transport.

There will also be around 1,600 private security guards at the stadium and an elite anti-terrorist police unit protecting the Israeli squad.

The stadium will only be a quarter full and after advice from the Israeli government, only around 100 Israeli fans are expected to travel. Bars and restaurants in the area have been told to close in the afternoon.

The State de France made headlines in 2022 after disturbing scenes in which Liverpool fans were tear gassed ahead of the Champions League final against Real Madrid.

Last week, Maccabi Tel Aviv fans in Amsterdam set fire to a Palestinian flag, attacked a taxi and chanted anti-arab slogans. Youths on scooters injured Maccabi fans in "hit-and-run" attacks.