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      Xabi Alonso ‘to LEAVE Bayer Leverkusen at end of season’ with ex-Liverpool star’s next club ‘clear’

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      XABI ALONSO will leave Bayer Leverkusen at the end of the season, according to reports.The Spaniard has been attracting interest from some of the biggest clubs in Europe.Xabi Alonso will reportedly leave Bayer Leverkusen at the end of the seasonCredit: GettyHe led Bayer Leverkusen to their first Bundesliga title ever, going unbeaten in all 34 games.Alonso also reached the Europa League final, losing to Atalanta, and soon after he was linked to the vacant job at Liverpool.He ruled himself out of the running for that role but he is now set to leave Leverkusen at the end of the season, report Eurosport Spain.Alonso, 42, is under contract until 2026 but could fancy a different challenge.READ MORE IN FOOTBALLAnother former club Real Madrid has been mooted as a potential option, but Carlo Ancelotti also has a deal until 2026.Alonso was asked why he turned down Liverpool and was cagey when discussing his future, prior to his side’s 4-0 thrashing at Anfield last month.He said: “At that time I was focused, I had a big thing with the players and we were really focused on that.”Let’s talk about the game tomorrow, it’s more interesting than my future.”Most read in BundesligaBEST FREE BET SIGN UP OFFERS FOR UK BOOKMAKERSOne job that could be available in the summer is Manchester City, and the club reportedly like the look of Alonso as a successor to Pep Guardiola, whose contract expires at the end of the season.Reports have claimed Leverkusen have begun their search for a new successor with Stuttgart boss Sebastian Hoeness and Germany assistant manager Sandro Wagner being considered.Roy Keane fumes Man Utd ‘wouldn’t have tolerated’ Xabi Alonso’s behaviour More

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      Former Premier League winners risk going bust as director confirms ‘material uncertainty exists’ over club’s future

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      BLACKBURN have admitted there are major doubts over the club’s future as a result of the Venky’s legal battle with the Indian government.In club accounts submitted this week Blackburn director Jitendra Desai writes that “a material uncertainty exists” over the club’s ability to continue operating.Blackburn have admitted there is some concern about the club’s financesCredit: GettyBlackburn made a profit of £1.8m last year, but that was down to the sales of Adam Wharton, Thomas Kaminski and Ash Philips to Crystal Palace, Luton and Tottenham respectively raising almost £23m.Without continued player sales the club need funding from the Venkys to stay in business, but the Indian government have blocked them from transferring money overseas.The Venkys’ parent company are involved in a long-running legal case with the Directorate of Enforcement in India in an attempt to get the ban overturned, with a hearing due to take place in Delhi this month.The Directorate of Enforcement are the branch of the Indian finance ministry in charge of investigating money laundering and breaches of foreign exchange laws.Read More in FootballThe Directorate allowed Venkys to make payments of £3.5m and £11m to Blackburn in June and October 2023 respectively after they pleaded for an exception to help keep the club afloat.No transfers have been since however, leaving Blackburn at risk of running out of money next year.Blackburn’s accounts were audited by a firm of independent accounts, PM+M, who issued a similar warning.They wrote: “Until such time as the legal matter is concluded satisfactorily, a material uncertainty exists that may cast significant doubt on this group and the company’s ability to continue as a going concern.”Most read in ChampionshipFOOTBALL FREE BETS AND SIGN UP DEALSBlackburn currently sit ninth in the Championship table, three points adrift of the play-off spots.They next face newly-promoted Portsmouth next weekend.’I was a zebra, Shane Duffy was Goldilocks’ – Norwich City star Kellen Fisher on wild Xmas partys, dinner with Delia and team-mates getting egged More

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      Walsall kit man and pitch-side announcer charged by FA for ‘acting in an improper manner’

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      WALSALL kitman Dave Joyce and pitch-side announcer Simon Hill have both been charged with misconduct by the FA.The pair allegedly acted in an “improper manner” in stoppage time during Walsall’s 1-1 draw against Crewe Alexandra in League Two on Saturday.A kitman and pitch-side announcer at Walsall have been charged by the FACredit: RexThe charges relate to an incident during the Saddlers’ League Two match against Crewe on SaturdayCredit: RexWith both sides pushing for a winner, a stoppage-time scuffle broke out when staff refused to give the ball back after it went out of play.Walsall kitman Joyce was sent off by referee Stephen Parkinson for the touchline melee.The ref then turned to book Crewe boss Lee Bell and Saddlers defender Liam Gordon.An FA statement read: “It’s alleged that David Joyce and Simon Hill acted in an improper manner around the 98th minute, and both of them have until November 18 to respond.”READ MORE FOOTBALL NEWSOmar Bogle opened the scoring for Crewe in the 66th minute when he crept in behind the Walsall defence to slot past Tommy Simkin.The home side equalised through Nathan Lowe with five minutes of normal time remaining before tempers flared in the closing stages.Tensions arose as both sides are pushing for promotion to League One, with Walsall sitting second and Crewe inside the play-off places.Mat Sadler’s side are three points adrift of league leaders Port Vale, but do have a game in hand.Most read in EFLA scuffle broke out at the end of Walsall’s 1-1 draw with CreweCredit: RexFOOTBALL FREE BETS AND SIGN UP DEALSWalsall will not be in action this weekend, though, after their home clash with Gillingham was postponed due to international call-ups.Meanwhile, Crewe are back in action on Saturday as they host a huge clash against Notts County, who currently sit third.Both teams are vying for promotion to League OneCredit: RexOmar Bogle opened the scoring for the visitors inside 66 minutesCredit: RexNathan Lowe equalised for Walsall before carnage broke outCredit: Rex More

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      Inside Arsenal’s January transfer plans with defence hit by injuries and Gunners still without a centre-forward

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      ARSENAL are unlikely to be busy in the January transfer window – despite their injury woes so far this season.Ben White could be out for around six weeks after undergoing a minor procedure on a troublesome knee that has hampered his playing time this term.Mikel Arteta’s Arsenal have been hit by a flurry of early-season injuriesCredit: ReutersBen White is facing a fitness battle over the next few weeksCredit: GettyMartin Odegaard’s return against Chelsea was a huge positive for the GunnersCredit: GettyDepending on his recovery, the right-back’s return may be sooner than hoped. But he remains in a battle to feature over the crucial festive period.Gunners defenders Riccardo Calafiori and Takehiro Tomiyasu are also fighting to be back fully fit before December with knee injuries.Italian international Calafiori is targeting a comeback in the next few weeks.READ MORE ON ARSENAL NEWSWhile Japanese full-back Tomiyasu’s timeline remains up in the air after suffering several set-backs following his pre-season knock.SunSport understands Mikel Arteta and the Arsenal board are currently not targeting recruitments this winter to cope with any further potential absences.Managing Director Richard Garlick made a routine trip to the United States this week to meet with owner Stan Kroenke and co-chair Josh Kroenke.The meeting was to plan for next summer’s window – and was held without Sporting Director Edu after his resignation last week.Most read in FootballFOOTBALL FREE BETS AND SIGN UP DEALSYet the club’s policy remains that January is a reactive window instead of an active one.Arsenal’s last big splurge in a January window came in the 2022/23 campaign.How Cucurella trapped Saka AGAIN with simple trick but Chelsea have critical Palmer problemThey splashed the cash two years ago on Brighton’s Leandro Trossard, Chelsea’s Jorginho and Spezia’s Jakub Kiwior for around £40m.Arteta’s injury worries have softened over the past few weeks with skipper Martin Odegaard returning to action. Mikel Merino [shoulder], Jurrien Timber [knee] and Gabriel [knee] have also proved their fitness.Arsenal and Edu resignation statement in fullEdu Gaspar has today resigned from his position as our Sporting Director.Edu, our former player and Invincible, re-joined us in the role of Technical Director in July 2019. He progressed through the club and was promoted to Sporting Director in November 2022, where he oversaw men’s, women’s and academy football.   We thank Edu for the part he has played in our renewed football strategy and driving the club forward with the values of Arsenal in his heart. Edu said: “This was an incredibly hard decision to make.”Arsenal has given me the opportunity to work with so many amazing people and the chance to be a part of something so special in the club’s history. It has been a special journey and I thank Stan, Josh, Tim and Lord Harris for the support they’ve given me.  “I’ve loved working with so many great colleagues across our men’s, women’s and academy teams, especially Mikel, who has become a great friend. “Now it is time to pursue a different challenge. Arsenal will always remain in my heart. I wish the club and its supporters only good things and all the very best.”Our Co-Chair, Josh Kroenke, added: “We respect Edu’s decision and thank him for his immense contribution and dedication to drive the club forward.  “Everyone at the club wishes him well. We are all so fond of him and the positive energy he brings to everything and everyone.  “Change and evolution is a part of our club.  We remain focused on our strategy and winning major trophies. Our succession plan will reflect this continued ambition.”Arsenal made several moves in the summer, including a permanent £27m deal for keeper David Raya after his season-long loan spell from Brentford. They also signed Calafiori for £42m and spent £32.6m to bring in Merino from Real Sociedad. READ MORE SUN STORIESArsenal ratings v ChelseaHere’s how SunSport’s Tony Robertson rated the Gunners:David Raya – 7Tipped a shot over the bar early on from Cole Palmer and claimed crosses well. Could do nothing about Neto’s crisp strike.Ben White – 5Poor when trying to stop a Neto cross that Malo Gusto should have then scored. Booked for a foul on the winger later on.William Saliba – 6Steady alongside Gabriel but was more in the covering role so had less to do. Struggled with his line-breaking passes today on the whole. Failed to engage Neto as he raced towards the area before narrowing a shot into the corner.Gabriel Magalhaes – 6Made some vital blocks when the midfield was bypassed and was generally the busier of himself and Saliba.Jurrien Timber – 6Busy day for the defender in trying to keep Madueke quiet, a task he largely succeeded in. But he wasn’t able to heavily influence the game going forward since the ball never really got to him. Most entertaining part of the game before the goal probably came with the 57th-minute throw-in that slipped out of his hands and over his head.Thomas Partey – 6Struggled to contain Cole Palmer early on but grew into the game and got on the ball plenty, although he was somewhat wayward with his long-range passing. After a bad touch he managed to poke the ball back to Odegaard before he provided the assist.Declan Rice – 6Made some vital defensive contributions to block some Chelsea chances and displayed quick thinking at a free-kick to put Havertz through to score, but was marginally offside. Subbed off after 71 minutes.Martin Odegaard – 7Back in the starting XI for the first time since August. Has been a big miss for Arteta’s side but may take some time to get back to his best and was on the ball nowhere near enough at the Bridge. Won the ball back before providing the assist for Martinelli’s opener.Bukayo Saka – 5Showed superb defensive work rate to keep Marc Cucurella in check, though this inversely meant he was unable to contribute as much in attack. Subbed off after pulling up injured in the 79th minute.Gabriel Martinelli – 8Should have done better when given the chance to score past Sanchez in the penalty area after Saka won the ball back high. Kept at it and scored against the run of play in the second half with a nice finish to Sanchez’s near post. Hooked after 71 minutes.Kai Havertz – 6Appeared to have poked home the opening goal with a sharp bit of movement but was fractionally offside. Booked for not going off the pitch when bleeding on his head.Deadline Day loan moves for back-up keeper Neto and Raheem Sterling helped provide competition among the squad. There were also big sales of academy stars Emile Smith Rowe to Fulham and Eddie Nketiah to Crystal Palace, as well as keeper Aaron Ramsdale’s switch to Southampton. More

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      Premier League’s biggest overachievers revealed with Man Utd, Arsenal and Man City all suffering huge drop-offs

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      BRIGHTON are this season’s biggest over-achievers.And Manchester City, Arsenal and Manchester United are all suffering a significant drop-off from last term.Brighton have exceeded expectations this seasonCredit: AFPChelsea have also impressedCredit: GettyMeanwhile, Man Utd have experienced a drop-offCredit: GettySunSport experts have analysed the like-for-like performances of every top flight team compared to the same period in 2023-24.To ensure a full comparison, the three promoted teams – Leicester, Ipswich and Southampton – are awarded the results that relegated Burnley,  Luton and Sheffield United respectively got in their matches.And Brighton’s stunning comeback win over champions City on Saturday mean the Seagulls are a superb nine points and 11 goals better off than after the same 11 matches last term.It is a sign of the impact of new Brighton boss Fabian Hurzeler on his squad, which fell away under predecessor Roberto de Zerbi last term.Read More in FootballBut there is ammunition for Enzo Maresca and Andoni Iraola to point to about their positive impacts this term.Chelsea – seven points better off – and Bournemouth, who have earned an extra six points from the matches are second and third in the comparison table.And while Liverpool’s brilliant start to the campaign – and the recent wobbles for City and Arsenal – have put Arne Slot’s men five points clear at the top, they have actually slightly under-achieved last term’s efforts under Jurgen Klopp, with the same points tally and a goal difference worse by three.At the bottom end, even Wolves’ first win of the season over Southampton cannot hide the fact that Gary O’Neil’s side had earned 12 points more after the corresponding matches last season.Most read in FootballFOOTBALL FREE BETS AND SIGN UP DEALSBrighton top the tableCrystal Palace, on minus seven, and Everton with six points fewer, fill the “relegation zone”.But the next three sides up from the bottom are United, who have earned five points less, Arsenal picked up four more in the same games last term and City, who are three points down as a result of that defeat at the Amex.Pep Guardiola says Man City is not ‘in a dark place’ despite Sporting Lisbon loss More

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      Fans say ‘they make it look easy’ as Sky Sports give behind-the-scenes look at Soccer Saturday production

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      SKY SPORTS have left fans stunned with an amazing behind-the-scenes video showing how they make Soccer Saturday work.The show – originally named Sports Saturday – began in 1992 and has been a mainstay on TV, with former host Jeff Stelling becoming a household name on the programme.Sky Sports have lifted the lid on how the magic happens at Soccer SaturdayCredit: TikTok/skysportsfootballProducer Sam dishes out verbal prompts, directions and updates throughout the programmeCredit: TikTok/skysportsfootballPresenter Simon Thomas then reacts and presents, ushering the show to the next relevant updateCredit: TikTok/skysportsfootballThe directing includes telling the analysts when they will speakCredit: TikTok/skysportsfootballHowever, Sky Sports have now lifted the lid on the breathless production cycle of the show.Taking to social media, the broadcaster shared a video showing how the magic happens featuring a split viewing of what fans see and what the happens in their studio, led by Producer Samantha Mills.The clip shared online showcased how everything was kept ticking over on November 2, with a stream of instructions and pointers being handed to host Simon Thomas throughout.It started out with Thomas, 52, being directed to go to analyst Sue Smith.READ MORE IN FOOTBALLThomas was then directed to go to Tim Sherwood watching Bournemouth v Manchester City game, before he was told to cut to an on-site reporter with a prompt of there being two goals since the last time he was spoken to.This hectic switching carried on for the duration of the matches, with updates, directions and verbal prompts being handed out constantly.Reacting to the two minute 16 second video clip, one user said: “Interesting. Harder job than it looks.”A second said: “Wow, a lot behind this.”Most read in FootballBEST FREE BET SIGN UP OFFERS FOR UK BOOKMAKERSA third added: “Blimey. I hope that lady is paid as much salary as the presenters. She deserves it!”Another said: “This is beyond impressive! Both the producer and the host are absolute legends for being able to handle this!”Fans baffled as Paul Merson ‘dresses like a lemon’ for Sky Sports Soccer Saturday return… but there’s a reason for itA fifth said: “They make it look easy. Incredible work team.”Thomas took over as the show’s sole presenter in 2023 after Stelling left the show after more than 25 years at the helm. More

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      How England boss Thomas Tuchel turned big-money Chelsea star from flop into ‘Europe’s best defender’

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      NEW England boss Thomas Tuchel turned Antonio Rudiger into the best-centre back in Europe during their time together at Chelsea.Chelsea gave Roma £29million for Rudiger in 2017 but the Germany international endured a difficult first few seasons in West London.Thomas Tuchel made Antonio Rudiger into the best-centre back in EuropeTuchel and Rudiger won the Champions League and Fifa Club World Cup togetherRudiger, 31, won the FA Cup under Antonie Conte and the Europa League under Maurizio Sarri before his fortunes took a downward turn.The defender began to struggle for game time under Frank Lampard in the Chelsea legend’s first managerial stint at Stamford Bridge.He played just nine games in all competitions in Lampard’s six months, behind first- choice duo Kurt Zouma and Thiago Silva.Lampard’s former assistant Jody Morris has since tried to clear things up after revealing that Rudiger “wasn’t fit” for most of Lampard’s first reign.READ MORE FOOTBALL NEWSBut Rudiger was attracting interest from clubs looking to take him on loan in January 2021, until Lampard was sacked and Thomas Tuchel stepped in.Tuchel immediately reinstalled his countryman to the starting XI.The former Stuttgart and Borussia Dortmund defender was instrumental in Chelsea’s Champions League success at the end of the 2020/21 season.Morris told talkSPORT: “When we first went in there, Rudiger had a serious injury and he wasn’t fit for a large spell.Most read in FootballFOOTBALL FREE BETS AND SIGN UP DEALS”Has Rudiger played to the level that he played under Tuchel anywhere else? I’m not sure. Previously to us going in there, never.”But I get that because even from watching the games after we left, Rudiger, I don’t think there was a better centre half in Europe after that.Watch Antonio Rudiger bring back iconic Chelsea chair celebration in wild scenes after Real Madrid win vs Bayern MunichRudiger was instrumental in Chelsea’s Champions League win over Man City in 2021Credit: GettyBut Morris was keen not to place the blame on Lampard.He added: “But I think you can always get those types of players that excel under a new manager, a new system.”I think the fact that he moved into a back three allowed for three centre halves to come in and Rudiger was absolutely outstanding.”Not just from a defensive aspect, actually, going forward, I thought he has a few roaming runs, but I’m not sure we see that level of performance previously or maybe since.”Rudiger memorably went unpunished for body-checking Kevin De Bruyne in Chelsea’s 1-0 Champions League final win, as the Man City superstar was subbed off with a facial injury, as post-match tests revealed a fractured nose and eye socket.But Chelsea failed to persuade the German to sign a new contract during the following season, as he joined Real Madrid on a free transfer in the summer of 2022.And just as well, as Tuchel would be sacked from Chelsea just a few months later in September 2022.READ MORE SUN STORIESHe has made 118 appearances for the Spanish club, winning LaLiga and the Champions League last term.His Los Blancos contract ends in June 2026.Antonio Rudiger won his second Champions League title with Madrid in MayCredit: Sunday TimesForgotten England stars could benefit from Tuchel appointmentWITH Thomas Tuchel announced as the next England manager, a few forgotten stars might be hopeful of a return to the international set up.The former Chelsea and Bayern Munich manager usually uses a 3-4-3 formation.That could provide an opening for Mason Mount, who’s not been involved in the England set-up since the World Cup in 2022.The now Manchester United star enjoyed his most successful spell under Tuchel while the pair were at Stamford Bridge.Tuchel could also offer lifelines to other previously capped players such as Ruben Loftus-Cheek and Eric Dier.RLC has excelled since his move to AC Milan and with England struggling to find a partner for Rice, he could be the surprise answer.Meanwhile, Dier played for Tuchel at Bayern Munich as part of a back-three last season.The defender did enough to convince the club to make his loan move permanent after he had fallen out of favour at Tottenham.Click here to see the full England XI who could play under Tuchel. More

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      Paris braced for night of anti-Semitic carnage at France v Israel as 2,500 elite cops to patrol ‘double ring of steel’

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      FRANCE and Israel are set to clash in a crunch Nations League tie in just hours amid growing fears of a night of anti-Semitic carnage.Over 6,500 special forces and armed cops have been readied for the game with a number of extensive security measures already in place as Paris gears up for the international fixture.The Israel national side training in Paris amid growing fears of a night of anti-Semitic carnageCredit: AFPThousands of anti-Israel protesters took to the streets of Paris on Wednesday nightCredit: ReutersParis’ police chief has already labelled it as a “high-risk event” with officials announcing there will be at least one cop per three football fans in the capital tonight.Chief Laurent Nuñez said today that 4,000 officers will be on patrol around the game with 2,500 inside the Stade de France and the rest around the capital.This protective double ring of steel will also be flagged by Israeli security forces, including agents from the Mossad intelligence agency.Another few hundred cops will be deployed across transport networks leading to Paris’ northern suburbs.read more in France vs IsraelFears of violence have drastically ramped up in recent days after thousands marched through the streets of Paris in protest.Footage shows Palestine flags being waved as anti-Israeli marchers voiced their anger towards a controversial far-right gala taking place in the capital.It even promoted anti-demonstrations which led to chaos for the cops. Just a week ago, disturbing footage also showed Israeli football fans being chased through the streets of Amsterdam by an anti-Semitic mob.Most read in FootballMaccabi Tel Aviv supporters were ambushed by masked rioters in the Dutch city as they left the Johan Cruyff stadium last Thursday.This has prompted international concerns over the safety of Jewish fans particularly those watching Israeli-based teams.Israeli football fans attacked by mob of rioters who chased them through streets of Amsterdam in disturbing clashOrganisers have told The Sun that they are even struggling to sell tickets due to issues around Israel with the Middle Eastern conflict – with less than 15,000 seats reserved so far.The Israeli government even told travelling supporters to “categorically avoid attending” the France match.Just 100 tickets have been sold for the away side with many fearing a night of chaos could ensue.And events in the Netherlands have only ramped up the need for special measures further in wake of rising anti-Semitic hate in Europe.One of these precautions saw the Israel team being confined to their undisclosed hotel in the Val d’Oise region to the north of the capital.Constant armed guards were at the base and accompanied the players and staff to their training site on Tuesday.Authorities demanded the location be kept under wraps and all media activities were cancelled.Manager Ran Ben Shimon has revealed to the press that he and the team feel safe despite the major precautions in place.Officials have announced there will be at least one cop per three football fans in the capitalCredit: GettyRioters run through the streets amid disturbing clashes in Amsterdam between Israelis and an anti-Semitic mobCredit: RexA match between Mali and Israel at the Parc des Princes in July 24 saw brawls up in the standsCredit: The Mega AgencyThe team and staff are expected to be under constant police supervision as they make their way to the stadium later on today.Bars and restaurants in the area have also been told to close from the early afternoon to avoid any disruption. Many called on the French government to move the match away from Paris – even before the issues in Amsterdam kicked off.Experts said the panic and potential issues of rival fans and the public clashing wasn’t worth the international game.Swaths of opposition sides have decided to move their games against Israel to neutral venues since the Middle Eastern conflict reached boiling point. After playing France away in Paris, the team will travel to play against Belgium on Sunday.This match has already faced intense scrutiny with it being moved to a neutral venue in Hungary due to safety fears.France’s elite RAID tactical unit are believed to be the first line of defence at the game and have been deployed across the nation following the violence in the Netherlands. Police chief Nuñez said security at the game was of extreme concern for the authorities.He said: “There’s a context, tensions that make that match a high-risk event for us.”There will be an anti-terrorist security perimeter around the stadium.”RAID – which stands for Search, Assistance, Intervenion, Deterrence – will be in the stadium, he confirmed.The RAID was one of the first special forces units rushed to the scene when ISIS suicide bombers attacked Paris in November 2015.There will be an anti-terrorist security perimeter around the stadiumLaurent NuñezParis police chiefTerrorist thugs killed 130 people on a single night with chilling eruptions even being heard from the Stade de France on the harrowing night.French President Emmanuel Macron and his prime minister, Michel Barnier, will also attend the match.Macron and Israeli PM Benjamin Netanyahu have been at logger heads in recent months over the Middle East.Macron accused the PM of “spreading barbarism” across Gaza and Lebanon with his continued assaults on Hamas and Hezbollah.France has already answered calls for tightened security around Israeli athletes after the 2024 Paris Olympics earlier this year.They deployed a widely successful “ring of steel” around the Games to ensure safety after several declarations of violence from terror group ISIS and anti-Israel parties.It became the most guarded Games ever with over 60,000 cops and soldiers, drones, helicopters and a huge increase in AI surveillance all deployed.The rise of antisemitism in EuropeSince the outbreak of the Israel-Hamas war, antisemitic violence has surged globally.It has been fuelled by heightened geopolitical tensions and polarising public discourse around the war.This escalation is marked by an alarming rise in physical attacks, threats, and hate speech targeting Jewish communities.In Europe, reports of antisemitism have spiked, with attacks on synagogues, Jewish schools, and individuals intensifying.Countries like Germany and France have seen notable incidents of physical violence and vandalism.In Germany, synagogues were firebombed, and Jewish youth sports teams have reported attacks, reflecting a growing climate of fear.Public spaces associated with Jewish identity, including schools and cemeteries, have also required heightened police protection.Across this week a number of pro-Palestinian marches and counter demonstrations have taken place in Paris. Over 10,000 took to the streets on Wednesday to protest against a controversial pro-Israel gala.The “Israel is Forever” gala was originally set to be attended by Israeli finance minister Bezalel Smotrich but he has since pulled out and agreed to speak over video call.Several controversial far-Right figures also showed – making life difficult for patrolling cops.An open letter by seven civil rights groups to the French media said allowing the gala to go ahead was an “insult to international law”.Earlier this month, a Jewish football team was placed under police protection after it was “attacked” by a knife-wielding pro-Palestinian mob in Berlin.Teens from Makkabi Berlin’s youth team claim they were “hunted down” by a group of Arab youngsters after a game against local rivals.READ MORE SUN STORIESOne player’s dad claimed that his son was “deeply shaken” when he came back home from the game.The boy was allegedly spat at and later harassed by a mob of kids and adults who followed the squad off the pitch with sticks and knives.People flocked to Paris to protest against the ‘Israel is Forever’ galaCredit: APIsrael fans have been targeted at sporting events such as in the Paris OlympicsCredit: GettyRAID officers will join 6,000 cops to help protect Paris after the police chief labelled the game as a ‘high-risk event’ More