Israel Is Mocked Against Mali At The 2024 Olympics

JAKARTA The Israeli national team received ridicule when they played their first match in the preliminary round of Group D of the 2024 Paris Olympics against Mali.

The battle between the two teams which ended in a 1-1 draw took place at the Paris Saint-Germain (PSG) headquarters, Parc des Prince Stadium, on Thursday, July 25, 2024, early in the morning at 02.00 WIB.

Hamidou Diallo's own goal led Israel to take the lead shortly after halftime. However, Cheickna Doumbia then equalized in the 63rd minute so the two teams had to share numbers.

This match was secured by more than a thousand French police, including masked anti-terror officers. They tightened security with additional barriers before the game took place.

Sky Sport reported ridicule from several viewers occurred when the Israeli national anthem was sung before kick-off.

However, the game continued to run safely and there were no signs of organized protests from pro-Palestinian activists over the war in Gaza. Supporters from the two countries mingle freely and peacefully, both inside and outside the stadium.

Just below the media area, several spectators were seen flying the Palestinian flag. The action made security officers intervene.

Palestine itself has a contingent consisting of eight athletes who will compete in the 2024 Paris Olympics. Therefore, their bandera is allowed to be flown in all venues.

Last week, the Palestinian Football Association (PFA) had filed a motion for FIFA to punish Israel from all international competitions. However, the football parent responded by saying they would only make considerations after the Olympics.