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    Gary Lineker’s bitter feud with BBC worsens as final interview with Mo Salah BLOCKED amid fear pair ‘would discuss Gaza’

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    BBC chiefs delivered a final snub to Gary Lineker when they axed his last interview without warning — just before his final Match of the Day.He was due to talk to Liverpool goal hero Mo Salah, but there were fears Lineker — involved in an online row over an antisemitic post — would say something controversial about Gaza.Gary Lineker had an interview with Mo Salah axed without warning — just before his final Match of the DayCredit: AFPThere’s ‘no love lost’ between Lineker and the BBC’s director of sport Alex Kay-JelskiCredit: BBCA source said the plug was pulled by director of sport Alex Kay-Jelski, who got the job last summer.The Sun has revealed there was “no love lost” between Lineker and Kay-Jelski — with the ex-England hero allegedly giving him the cold shoulder at the FA Cup final.An insider said: “The plan was for the interview to be shown across the BBC the weekend of Gary’s final Match Of The Day.“That would include on Football Focus the day before as well as online and on social media.read more on Gary Lineker“Out of nowhere, it got cancelled. “Some people think they didn’t want Gary and Mo to talk about Gaza.“Salah has spoken out in his support for Palestinians living in Gaza and Gary has made his feelings clear too. “It felt like it may have come up naturally in conversation.Most read in Football“It seems they axed it rather than risk possible editorial issues. “They’d only just overcome one storm so to face another would have been a nightmare.”Eagle-eyed fans spot awkward Match of the Day gaffe on Gary Lineker’s farewell showThe Sun revealed Gary, 64, was leaving the BBC after 26 years following his sharing of an Instagram post which criticised Zionism. It included an illustration of a rat — historically used as an antisemitic slur.With the BBC coming under increasingly intense pressure, Lineker issued two apologies, then agreed to step down from his £1.3million-a-year jobThe ex-Spurs star is understood to be focusing on his Goalhanger Podcasts business, as well as considering rival broadcasters’ offers.He had been suspended from Match Of The Day in March 2023 after a post about the small boats controversy, but was reinstated after a boycott by his co-stars.The BBC said: “The interview was cancelled because it was planned to air after Gary’s last Match of the Day.“It would be wrong to suggest anything else.”Read More on The SunHowever a source insisted: “A cross-platform interview with the Champions’ star player could have aired anytime. “Salah wanted to speak to Gary so to axe it entirely seems short-sighted.”Gary and Mo have both spoken out in support for Palestinians living in GazaCredit: AlamyLineker on his last MOTDCredit: BBCUnlock even more award-winning articles as The Sun launches brand new membership programme – Sun Club. More

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      Gary Lineker returns to BBC for first time since post likening supporters of Israel to rats as host fronts FA Cup final

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      GARY Lineker has returned to the BBC for the first time since being accused of sharing a “anti-Semitic” post.The outgoing Match of the Day host sparked fury over the Instagram upload, which has since been deleted.Lineker has returned to the BBC for the first time since his postCredit: GettyHe presented coverage of the FA Cup final between Manchester City and Crystal Palace from Wembley todayLineker has “apologised unreservedly” after sharing the pro-Gaza video that likened supporters of Israel to rats.A rat has been used as an anti-Semitic insult referring to language used by Nazi Germany to characterise Jewish people.The rat accompanied footage of a Canadian-Palestinian lawyer attacking the war in Gaza with the caption “Zionism explained in two minutes.”In a statement, Lineker said: “On Instagram I reposted material which I have since learned contained offensive references.”I very much regret these references.”I would never knowingly share anything antisemitic. It goes against everything I believe in.”The post was removed as soon as I became aware of the issue.”Whilst I strongly believe in the importance of speaking out on humanitarian issues, including the tragedy unfolding in Gaza, I also know that how we do so matters.Most read in Football”I take full responsibility for this mistake. That image does not reflect my views.”It was an error on my part for which I apologise unreservedly.”Gary Lineker gets a grilling over Maradonna’s infamous hand of God goal in hilarious new The Assembly teaserLast November Lineker announced he would be stepping down from presenting Match Of The Day.The former England and Barcelona striker will make his final appearance on the highlights show on May 25.But he will still host World Cup and FA Cup coverage.And Lineker returned to TV screens this afternoon for the first time since the row erupted.He presented coverage of the FA Cup final between Manchester City and Crystal Palace from Wembley.Lineker appeared alongside Wayne Rooney.But a source said: “He is hosting the Cup final this weekend but beyond that we don’t know at this stage.”Staff are annoyed with him after this week — and he is annoyed with himself too.”This comes after the director general of the BBC said people need to follow the broadcaster’s social media rules when asked about the row involving the Lineker post.Tim Davie, after giving a wide-ranging speech, speaking of trust, disinformation and impartiality, was asked if Lineker had broken the BBC’s rules.Speaking at The Lowry arts centre in Salford, Mr Davie said: “The BBC’s reputation is held by everyone and when someone makes a mistake, it costs us.”And I think we absolutely need people to be the exemplars of BBC values and follow our social media policies, simple as that.”Lineker’s agent told the BBC the presenter immediately deleted the post when he learned about the image’s symbolism, which he had previously not appreciated.Meanwhile, earlier this week Lineker fired savage digs at the new BBC boss as the ex-footballer revealed why he left Match of the Day.The TV veteran slammed BBC’s new director of sport, Alex Kay-Jelski, claiming he “has no TV experience” in a brutal interview with The Telegraph.Lineker, 64, warned the BBC not to tamper too much with the iconic show, saying: “He has his reasons, he wants to change Match of the Day a bit.”Ultimately, I don’t think they will, because I don’t see how you move a highlights show away from being about highlights.”Lineker presented Match of the Day for a staggering 26 years.However, the 64-year-old claims that much has changed since the new BBC boss took charge last year.”I think he wants more journalists – he has come from that background,” Gary added.In March 2023 Lineker was temporarily suspended from the BBC after an impartiality row over comments he made criticising the then-government’s new asylum policy.He was also among 500 other high-profile figures who signed an open letter in February urging the BBC, to re-broadcast a documentary, Gaza: How To Survive A War Zone, to BBC iPlayer.But the legendary footballer has vowed to steer clear of entering the world of politics when he does end his punditry career in 2026.He said previously: “I won’t get involved in politics, I never really have.”Apart from the Brexit vote, because I did a lot of research on that and decided, ‘This could be worse than we think’.”I never back a government. I might criticise Sir Keir Starmer on Israel. But nobody knows my politics.”Read More on The SunLineker is the co-founder of Goalhanger Podcasts, makers of the popular The Rest Is History series and its spin-offs about politics, football, entertainment and money.He is being replaced as Match of the Day host by Gabby Logan, Kelly Cates and Mark Chapman next season. More

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      Fury as Gary Lineker shares pro-Gaza video likening supporters of Israel to RATS with BBC urged to sack him

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      THE BBC is facing calls to sack Gary Lineker after the presenter shared a pro-Gaza video that likened supporters of Israel to rats. The outgoing match of the day host sparked fury after featuring on his Instagram a vermin emoji that has been used for decades, including by the Nazis, as antisemitic slur. Gary Lineker sparked fury after sharing a vermin emoji on Instagram – a symbol long used as an antisemitic slur, including by the NazisCredit: GettyThe BBC’s Director General Tim Davie is facing calls to sack LinekerCredit: GettyThe rat accompanied footage of a Canadian-Palestinian lawyer attacking the war in Gaza. Responding to the post, former Labour MP Lord Austin said: “For too long Gary Lineker has been flagrantly abusing his position as the best-paid presenter at the BBC to promote his deeply biased views. “Now he has gone too far, sharing material that whether he knows it or not is redolent of the vilest anti-Jewish racism. “He cannot be allowed to stay in position, let alone be the face of World Cup coverage. READ MORE ON GARY LINEKER“The BBC must act now.” Danny Cohen, former director of BBC Television, said: “Gary Lineker appears to have shared content about the Jewish State which echoes 1930s Nazi propaganda. “This is utterly grim. The BBC’s Director General Tim Davie has a simple question to answer: does he tolerate the BBC’s flagship presenters sharing content that has historically been used as an antisemitic slur?” The controversial post comes weeks after the Match of the Day presenter told the Beeb presenter Amol Rajan that he has a right to express his opinion on topics including Gaza. He said: “I know where I stand on this. Most read in Football“I’m sorry. It’s more important than the BBC. “What’s going on there is the mass murder of thousands of children is probably something that we should have a little opinion on.” ‘That doesn’t happen’ – Gary Lineker broke down in tears over Ian Wright’s public show of support over MOTD axing More

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      Former Liverpool ace survives terrifying GRENADE attack on his family home

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      FORMER Premiership star Yossi Benayoun has survived a terrifying grenade attack on his home in Israel.The ex-Liverpool midfielder was in the house with his family when a motorcyclist pulled up outside and threw the device at the door.Yossi Benayoun has survived a terrifying grenade attack on his home in IsraelCredit: GettyIt exploded, triggering a fire as the attacker fled the scene.Police and fire crews raced to the house in Ramat Hasharon, just north of Tel Aviv, at 11pm on Sunday. The blaze was extinguished shortly after.Cops are investigating it as a suspected criminal attack rather than a terrorist incident.Read More on FootballShocked Benayoun, Israel’s record goal scorer, said it was a case of mistaken identity.He said: “This is definitely a mistake – I have no doubt that the grenade was not aimed at my house.“At first I thought it was a gas cylinder explosion and we called the fire department. It was only when the police arrived at the house and found the remains of a grenade that we realised what really happened.”The attack caused damage to the property but no-one was injured.Most read in FootballA police spokesman said: “The police hotline received a report of hearing an explosion outside a house.“Police from the Glilot station arrived at the scene and began an investigation. As a result of the explosion, damage was caused. There were no casualties.”Hamas releases sick vid of hostage begging for release saying ‘time is running out’ as terror group calls for ceasefireBenayoun, 44, played nearly 200 times in the Prem for Liverpool, West Ham, Chelsea and Arsenal.He retired from playing in 2019 after a 22-year career, scoring a total of 173 goals in 728 appearances.Meanwhile, a Palestinian journalist was killed and nine others injured when Israeli missiles struck a media tent outside a hospital in Khan Younis.Videos showed a reporter engulfed in flames as others tried to rescue him.The Israel Defence Forces (IDF) said it had targeted photographer Hassan Aslih because he was a member of Hamas who operated “under the guise of a journalist”.Aslih was injured in the attack which killed a second Palestinian man.The IDF said the reporter had taken part in the October 7 raids into southern Israel and had “documented and uploaded footage of looting, arson, and murder to social media”.Hamas said the claims were false.In total, Israeli military strikes killed at least 30 Palestinians in Gaza yesterday, according to Hamas.The terror group marked 18 months since the war started by launching the biggest rocket attack for months.Read More on The SunAround ten were launched from the Strip, half of which were intercepted by the IDF.Three people suffered minor injuries as the IDF intercepted ten rockets. More

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      Defiant Floyd Mayweather speaks out over video of angry mob trying to jump him while he was jewellery shopping in London

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      DEFIANT Floyd Mayweather Jnr denied being “touched in any way” during a melee with angry pro-Palestine yobs who tried to jump him while he was shopping.The US boxing great, 47, was chased from London’s posh Hatton Garden jewellery quarter on Tuesday evening – after doubling down on his public support for Israel’s war in Gaza.Floyd Mayweather gets into an altercation at Hatton GardenFormer champion Mayweather is still boxing in exhibitions despite retiringCredit: USA Today SportsMayweather and his security were pushed back by an angry mobThey then got in a black car and left after tensions roseWe first told how the undefeated ex-champ was hounded by a mob of ten accusing him of endorsing “genocide”.The confrontation spilled into the street where the bling-loving ace’s bodyguards bundled him into a black 4×4 car and sped away.Mayweather was also heard furiously screaming “I’ll get these motherf***ers” as he was taken to the car.The boxer yesterday insisted his ring prowess helped him dodge the attack as he denied any of the crowd had laid a finger on him.He said online: “Let me set the record straight. There’s no truth to the rumours going around.“I wasn’t punched or touched in any way.“What you’re seeing is my security doing their job to keep things under control.”“I was in the UK for a quick 48-hour stop to do some shopping.Most read in Boxing“I’m perfectly fine and there’s really nothing more to it.”Yesterday a Hatton Garden trader revealed Mayweather, who won 50 pro bouts including a TKO win over Conor McGregor, was being “berated” by the mob moments before the scuffle.They said: “There was a lot of shouting and people berating him.“People were screaming ‘yahud’ at him – which is Arabic for Jews – so it seems like it was pretty anti-Semitic.“They wouldn’t do that to a random Orthodox Jewish guy walking down the street. “They’re doing it because they want to be the guy that fights Floyd Mayweather.”The Met Police said the incident was not reported to cops, adding they would not launch a criminal probe.The tussle came days after Mayweather pledged to donate a toy to every orphan in Israel – which he branded his “home away from home”.READ MORE SUN STORIESIt’s understood Mayweather will continue to publicly back Israel and is planning to return there soon.He previously met the nation’s PM, Benjamin Netanyahu, and hosted a barbeque for IDF troops fighting terror thugs Hamas.Earlier in the evening Mayweather was seen browsing in shops More

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      Moment Floyd Mayweather is attacked by mob in ‘row over Israel-Palestine’ while he was jewellery shopping in London

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      BOXING legend Floyd “Money” Mayweather is attacked in the street as he went shopping in Central London – amid fears he was targeted over his support for Israel.A mob descended on the undefeated ex-champion and his entourage as the bling-loving king of the ring went shopping in posh Hatton Garden.Floyd Mayweather gets into an altercation at Hatton Garden tonightThe former boxing champ was clearly angered at events that had unfoldedEarlier Mayweather was seen browsing in shopsMayweather and his team then got in their car and leftMayweather, who was dressed in a green jacket, looked angry as he and his security were followed in the capital.The 47-year-old was confronted by a mob as his bodyguards bundled him out of a top jewellery store and into a waiting black 4×4.A source close to Mayweather insisted that at no point during the chaos was the fighter touched.They added “the crowd used racial slurs” towards him.Read More in SportOne witness, who declined to be named, filmed the incident after it spiralled out of the store and into the street.He told The Sun: “There were maybe about eight to ten people involved in going after him, and about 20 or 25 watching on.“Mayweather’s security team were outnumbered. “Someone said that Mayweather had been shopping when he was asked why he supported Israel. He doubled down and said he was proud to support the Jews.Most read in Boxing”Then someone took a swing at him because of that. It looked very targeted. “He was bundled out of the shop but by then there were multiple people trying to hit him, and pushing his security guards.” The eyewitness continued: “Floyd took a few hits during it, but his security was trying to push people back.“I couldn’t really see Floyd trying to throw any punches back. His guards were just trying to get distance between him and them. “They got him into a car and tapped the roof two times, then it sped off. Clearly they were desperate to get him out of there.“It was over within two minutes.”Floyd Mayweather, 47, flashes wads of cash before flying out to exhibition fight against John Gotti III on private jetIt is feared Mayweather was targeted by pro-Gaza supporters over his staunch backing of Israel.The attack came days after the boxer launched the Mayweather Israel Initiative, which he says will give every orphan in Israel a free birthday present. Mayweather has also visited the Middle East and in October branded Israel his “home away from home”.In one of the videos a man can be heard saying: “You’re not gonna believe this man.”Money Mayweather just got punched up bro.”Mayweather appeared to be followed by a group of men as he and his security team walked towards a black car.With tensions rising, the ex-boxing champion then got into his car as they drove off amid ugly scenes.In another video, Mayweather was seen browsing in a store with expensive watches and jewellery on show.Mayweather was one of the first major Western stars to visit Israel in the aftermath of Hamas’ October 7 attacks last year, when 1,200 Israeli civilians were slaughtered by Islamic terrorists.In February the boxer was confronted by a pro-Palestinian activist during a press conference in Las Vegas to launch his new vape brand.His security team reportedly confiscated a Palestinian flag from an audience member – prompting loud chants of “Free Palestine”.During a visit last month, Mayweather joined Israel Defense Forces troops at a military base, where he hosted a barbecue. And he was a guest of Netanyahu, 75, at a private meeting to discuss the history of Israel. Mayweather wrote online: “It was an honour to meet with you today.“Your strength and courage are unmatched, and your commitment to protecting the Jewish people and citizens of Israel is truly inspiring. Keep using your voice and never back down.“This week in Israel has been deeply emotional for me.“Visiting injured soldiers, meeting families of fallen heroes, and connecting with the people of Israel has been a humbling experience.”Mayweather officially retired in 2017 after beating UFC superstar Conor McGregor, 36, but he has continued to box in exhibitions.The boxing legend boasts an incredible array of wealth, including the tallest commercial building in the USA as one of NINE skyscrapers that he owns.His other business ventures also include the ownership of boxing and fitness gyms around the world, a NASCAR team and a 26,000-square-foot skate park facility.Mayweather also has a foundation welfare cause set up since 2009 which provides a range of services such as free food and learning opportunities for youngsters.It comes after reports the boxer splashed out more than £300million ($400m) for a set of New York apartments.READ MORE SUN STORIESMayweather has a vast business empire including property, cars and watches.However, he is set to add to that empire after agreeing a mega-money deal for a block of Manhattan apartments.Mayweather is still boxing in exhibitions despite retiringCredit: USA Today SportsMayweather and his security were pushed back by an angry mobFloyd Mayweather has visited Israel this yearCredit: Twitter More

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      I made transfer for the chance to play against Cristiano Ronaldo – but I accidentally joined wrong club with same name

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      FORMER LaLiga striker Thievy Bifouma moved to Iran to have a chance of facing Cristiano Ronaldo in the AFC Champions League.But the 32-year-old has now hilariously revealed that he unwittingly signed for the WRONG club in the summer.Thievy Bifouma wanted to join Esteghlal FC for the chance play against Cristiano RonaldoRonaldo has entered the final year of his current Al-Nassr dealBifouma claims that he intended to join Esteghlal FC for the chance to square up with Ronaldo and Al-Nassr in the Champions League. But he was not aware that this particular club, which he joined as a free agent, was not the only Iranian side named Esteghlal.He told Iranian outlet Tasnim News Agency: “I had the chance to play in Turkey, but my wife didn’t want to move back there.”I wish to play against Cristiano Ronaldo before I retire.READ MORE FOOTBALL NEWS”Considering that he is now in Asia and there was an opportunity for me to come to Iran, they talked to me about Esteghlal’s offer.”And I reviewed the calendar of games and realised that they have a game against Al-Nassr.”I said to myself that this is where I wanted to go. I had no idea there were two teams named Esteghlal in Iran.”The former West Brom loanee only realised his faux pas in the days after he arrived in Iran and signed his deal. Most read in FootballFOOTBALL FREE BETS AND SIGN UP DEALSHe added: “When I arrived in Tehran, my countryman Gael Kakuta called me and asked where I was.”I told him, ‘I’m at the hotel undergoing medical tests.’ He then asked, ‘Which hotel are you in? I’d like to come and see you.’ ‘Ronaldo go home’ Furious Real Valladolid fans hold protest against Real Madrid legend’s ownership of LaLiga side”An hour later, he called again and teased me, saying, ‘You play for the small Esteghlal, while we’re part of a bigger team. You defend, and we attack’.”Regardless, it didn’t matter because we ended up winning the game against them in August, thanks to my goal.”Thievy has scored three goals and provided two assists in nine games in the Iranian League this season. But his chance of ever facing idol Ronaldo, 39, may be gone for good.The team he intended to join was Esteghlal Khuzestan F.C. who frequently qualify for the AFC Champions League.They are currently in the same Asian Champions League group as Ronaldo’s Al-Nassr side.Meanwhile, Man Utd legend Ronaldo turns 40 in February and his current deal is due to expire in the summer. 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

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      Israeli football team forced to train in SECRET ahead of France clash amid fears of anti-Semitic bloodshed in Paris

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      ISRAEL have been forced to train in a secret location ahead of their controversial Nations League clash with France this week.Some 4,000 police, many of them armed, have been drafted in to provide security for a Stade de France crowd of barely 20,000 in Paris.The Israel national team has been forced to train in a secret hotel in France due to safety concernsCredit: RexFrench police stand outside the Stade de France stadium prior to Israel’s behind closed doors training sessionCredit: EPASAS-style special force RAID officers and up to 6,000 other cops are all scheduled to be on duty for the high-risk game – representing one officer for every three fans inside the ground.The high-alert security approach was already planned even before last week’s shocking scenes in Amsterdam around Maccabi Tel Aviv’s Europa League game at Ajax.Disturbing footage showed Israeli football fans being chased through the streets of the Dutch capital by an anti-Semitic mob last Thursday. This has prompted international concerns over the safety of Jewish fans particularly those watching Israeli-based teams.read more in footballAnd events in the Netherlands have only ramped up the need for special measures further in wake of rising anti-Semitic bloodshed 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.Most read in FootballParis police chief Laurent Nuñez said security around 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.”Inside Paris’ ‘patchwork of steel’ security op with AI surveillance, 45,000 cops & drones for most guarded Olympics everIsraeli security forces, including agents from the Mossad intelligence agency, will also be inside the stadium on Thursday.Many fans have stayed away with the Israeli government telling supporters to “categorically avoid attending” the match.Addressing the anticipated low attendance, Bayern Munich defender Dayot Upamecano said: “I can understand why people do not want to come. It’s their choice. “We will fight on the pitch and aim to win this match. “This week we saw November 11. I love peace and hope that someday we will achieve it in every country. “Regardless of our religion or where we come from, we all want peace.”French President Emmanuel Macron and his prime minister, Michel Barnier, will also attend the match.Specialist RAID officers will join 6,000 cops to help protect Paris after the police chief labelled the game as a ‘high-risk eventOfficials 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: REXMany people have called for the game to be moved to a neutral venue but Bruno Retailleau, France’s Interior Minister, said it was hugely important that the game went ahead in Paris.He said: “I think that for a symbolic reason we must not yield, we must not give up.”The RAID has been active since the Israeli team set foot on French soil, and they will be in the stadium.”The French government say they are determined to push ahead with the match as it will mark the two year anniversary of the 2015 terror attacks.ISIS thugs killed 130 people on a single night with chilling eruptions even being heard from the Stade de France on the harrowing evening. French FA chief Philippe Diallo insisted it would have been “unthinkable” for the match to be cancelled.Israel’s manager Ran Ben Shimon has told the press he and the team feel safe.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.Israel’s sporting calendar has been thrown into chaos since the war kicked off last October.Many of their games have been played at neutral venues due to fears over public safety.SAS-style RAID special forces are being deployed across Paris ahead of the France vs Israel matchCredit: AFPFrench cops surrounded the stadium ahead of Thursday’s clashCredit: EPAIsrael fans have been targeted at sporting events such as in the Paris OlympicsCredit: GettyBelgium, who are scheduled to play Israel on Sunday following the France clash, have already made the match be moved to Hungary.Israeli FA chief Shino Moshe Zuares added: “This is a very complex period for us. But we know what we represent, and we are proud to represent our country. “The events in Amsterdam only strengthen us, and we will not let hate and ignorance defeat us. “I am concerned and worried but we will face the situation and emerge stronger.”Away from the football, another Israeli-linked security fear comes in the form of a pro-Palestinian march.Thousands are expected to take to the streets of Paris on Wednesday – a day before the football clash – to demonstrate 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.Several controversial figures linked to Israel’s far-Right are expected to show – making life difficult for cops.Police chief Nuñez spoke on the gala and said: “A gala in a closed place is not a demonstration on the public road, so it is more complicated for a prefect to ban it.”I considered that there was no risk of disturbing public order but we will be attentive to the comments made and I can potentially take legal action.”An open letter by seven civil rights groups to the French media reads: “Holding this gala in the French capital constitutes an insult to international law and contempt for the United Nations and for the orders issued by the highest international court.”A counter-demonstration has also been announced and is expected to attract up to 8,000 people.Since 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.READ MORE SUN STORIESIn 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.Members of the RAID deescalating a situation in FranceCredit: AFPA match between Mali and Israel at the Parc des Princes in July 24 saw brawls up in the standsCredit: The Mega Agency More