Violence broke out between France and Israel fans during Thursday night's Nations League clash at the Stade de France - security were quick to intervene to break up the brawl

Just after the game kicked off at 8:45 p.m., local time, officials reported a small brawl between Israeli and French soccer fans at a top section of the Stade de France, in Saint-Denis. Some of those involved in the scuffle were wearing Israeli flags draped over their backs as they wrestled with other people in the stands.

Following violence against Israeli soccer fans in Amsterdam last week, France has thrown heavy policing muscle behind a soccer match with Israel on Thursday.

The atmosphere at the stadium was clearly tense on Thursday, with reports of a brief altercation between a small number of fans in the stands early in the game.

President Emmanuel Macron, prime minister Michel Barnier, former presidents François Hollande and Nicolas Sarkozy expected to attend match in Paris

Paris police say that 4,000 officers and 1,600 stadium staff will be deployed for a France-Israel soccer match to ensure security in and around the stadium and on public transportation

Israel has urged fans to avoid Thursday's France-Israel football tie, which authorities fear could become a flashpoint following violence in Amsterdam following a match involving an Israeli team.

France and Israel will play in a UEFA Nations League match on Thursday, with French President Emmanuel Macron expected to attend.

In the aftermath of violent anti-Semitic clashes during a football match between Israeli club Maccabi Tel Aviv and Dutch team Ajax in Amsterdam, Israel has urged its citizens to stay away from the upcoming France-Israel football match.