Israel and France supporters were involved in ugly clashes during the nations’ powder-keg football match in Paris.

Outside the Stade de France, a fearsome police presence surrounded pro-Palestinian demonstrations, but skirmishes erupted in the stands during the match.

Fans wearing Israel flags were involved in confrontations broken up by undercover French officers, although it was not immediately clear whether they were fighting pro-Palestine protesters. However, videos posted on social media showed scores of fans fleeing from the trouble in the stands.

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Only a small group of opposing fans appeared to be directly involved in confrontations, however, with one man in particular appearing incensed and shouting in the direction of Israel supporters. Fighting was quickly broken up by officers. Reporters on the ground said skirmishes were fleeting.

One Israel fan, who asked not to be named, said he was in Paris on an organised visit, and had recently been fighting with the Israeli Defence Force in Lebanon.

“I’ve come along to the game to enjoy the football, and am sorry there is so much tension between the two sets of supporters,” he said. “I have no interest in getting involved in fighting in France – there’s plenty going on back home.”

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On a febrile night, Paris had its most imposing policing operation since the Olympics after Emmanuel Macron vowed the country would not give in to anti-Semitism. Concerns were heightened after attacks in Amsterdam last week when the Israeli team Maccabi Tel Aviv played Ajax.

The French president and interior minister Bruno Retailleau attended the match, along with ex-presidents Francois Hollande and Nicolas Sarkozy. Macron told the French TV channel BFMTV before kick off: “We will not give in to anti-Semitism anywhere and violence, including in the French Republic, will never prevail, nor will intimidation.”

However, the stadium for the Uefa Nations League match, which finished 0-0, was three-quarters empty and there was no apparent trouble from the pro-Palestine protesters outside the ground. Around 600 Israel fans were transported to the stadium in chartered buses under police escort. About 4,000 police officers were on the streets around the stadium.

Israel coach Ran Ben Simon said the security had been “extraordinary”. Speaking at the post-match press conference he added: “We want to thank the security people for protecting us.”