Mounted police and helicopters survey fans for France-Israel soccer match after attacks

AP Sports Writer

PARIS (AP) — Mounted police and helicopters surveyed fans as France hosted Israel in a Nations League soccer game, a week after violence erupted in Amsterdam in connection with an Israeli club team’s visit. The game in Saint-Denis, the suburb north of Paris, kicked off as scheduled at 8:45 p.m. local time Thursday. A total of 4,000 police officers and security staff were deployed in and around the Stade de France, with another 1,500 police on public transport. Less than 20,000 of 80,000 tickets have been sold with around 150 Israel supporters reportedly attending. Paris authorities were on high alert following violence in Amsterdam before and after a Europa League match between Ajax and Maccabi Tel Aviv.