A brawl broke out between French and Israeli soccer fans in Paris, causing spectators to flee from the chaos.

The Nations League match between the two countries was tarnished by the violent scenes involving a handful of fans, while others were seen trying to escape the conflict. The cause of the clash in the stands remains unclear, with footage showing fans carrying both French and Israeli flags fleeing the scene.

In anticipation of Thursday night’s game, French police chief Laurent Nunez revealed that 4,000 officers had been stationed at the stadium following an incident last week in Amsterdam between Ajax and Maccabi Tel Aviv. The fight broke out about 10 minutes into the game in the upper section of a stand behind one of the goals, with security quickly intervening.

It is estimated that only around 20,000 tickets were sold out of a potential 80,000 for the match, with buses transporting Israeli fans receiving a police escort to the stadium. Several pro-Palestine protests attended by hundreds took place in Paris shortly before the game. Inside the stadium, some fans were heard booing the Israeli anthem as it played.

Less than 150 Israeli fans are believed to have traveled to France after Israel’s National Security Council advised citizens against attending sporting events, including Thursday’s game, following the events in Amsterdam, which were condemned as antisemitic.

Ahead of the game, French president Emmanuel Macron had some powerful words to share: “We will yield nothing to antisemitism anywhere. And violence, including within the French Republic, will never prevail.”

Fans were seen fleeing the area

Fans were seen fleeing the area

Thursday’s game finished goalless, despite France having 24 shots. The result leaves Israel bottom of the Nations League group with just a single point to its name from five games, while France has 10 points and is in second – three points behind Italy.

The top two teams in the top four groups will progress to the quarterfinals, which will take place in March. The Nations League Finals will then take place in June. Italy, France, Germany, and Spain have already qualified for the quarterfinals. As things stand, they will be joined by Denmark, the Netherlands, Portugal, and Croatia.