Olympics 2024: Bomb alert strikes ahead of Israel match as police put area on lockdown
French authorities have ramped up security spending for the Paris Olympics.
French police reportedly cordoned off a large area near the Parc des Princes on Wednesday afternoon following the discovery of a suspicious bag.
Traffic was stopped, the Olympic bus service halted and residents of the area were temporarily prevented from going to their houses ahead of a football schedule which included Israel's opening match against Mali on Wednesday evening.
Police found the bag between the Parc des Princes and Roland Garros, and quickly cleared the area shortly before Spain's clash with Uzbekistan, according to Bild.
The situation was resolved in time for Spanish and Uzbek fans to make the kick-off at 3pm local time, although many of them were left stranded outside the Parc des Princes due to ticketing issues.
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The stadium was littered with empty seats when the match got underway as organisers scrambled to get things in order. French authorities are tight-lipped on the specific precautions taken to ensure the Games remain free of danger and trouble.
But they have reportedly spent twice as much on athlete security as previous organisers at the Tokyo Olympics only three years ago.
French interior minister Gerald Darmanin has identified Israel's match with Mali as a high-risk event, with 1,000 police officers deployed to form an 'anti-terror perimeter' outside the Parc des Princes on Wednesday evening.
Authorities are expecting protests amid the ongoing conflict in Gaza. Ukraine's game against Iraq on Wednesday, which kicks off at 6pm local time in Lyon, has also been identified as high risk.
"All the competitions have a security plan," said Darmanin. "But it’s true that these two matches, and particularly the match at the Parc des Princes, will have security, an anti-terror perimeter.
"Tonight at the Parc des Princes there will be a thousand police officers who will ensure that we are there for the sport."
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In 1973, Mali, a predominantly Muslim country, cut political ties with Israel and they have since condemned their actions in Gaza. Israeli athletes have each been given 'elite' personal security by French police forces.
Footballer Omri Gandelman said: "We came here to win and achieve things with this team and are very excited. We have a job to do."
Israel's manager, Guy Luzon, added: "It will be a great atmosphere and I’m sure we will have a lot of supporters. We don’t care what happens around us."
