Netherlands bans 'Israeli' fans from Europa League match

• Authorities barred Hapoel Be'er Sheva fans from Thursday's match against AZ Alkmaar over safety concerns
• 'Israel's' Foreign Minister requested Dutch action to permit fan attendance and ensure safety
• The decision follows past fan violence, including November 2024 clashes in Amsterdam

The 'Israeli' Foreign Ministry is pressing Dutch authorities to overturn a decision prohibiting fans of 'Israeli' club Hapoel Be'er Sheva from attending Thursday's UEFA Europa League fixture against Dutch side AZ Alkmaar.

The ban was enacted by local municipal authorities in Alkmaar, who designated the upcoming match as "very high risk".

Local officials, including the mayor, police, and prosecutor's office, cited security concerns surrounding potential demonstrations and confrontations between visiting fans and protesters.

Safety assurances

'Israeli' Foreign Minister Gideon Sa’ar engaged with Dutch Foreign Minister Tom Berendsen regarding the restriction.

The 'Israeli' Foreign Ministry and 'Israel's' embassy in The Hague held discussions with the Dutch Foreign Ministry and the Alkmaar municipality, demanding that traveling fans be allowed access to the stadium under guaranteed safety conditions.

Reports indicate that Dutch security assessments considered not only stadium safety but also the potential several-day stay of 'Israeli' supporters in the Netherlands, social media activity, and announced demonstrations.

The decision also evaluated previous violence involving 'Israeli' supporters in the country, specifically the violent clashes surrounding a November 2024 Europa League game between Ajax and Maccabi Tel Aviv in Amsterdam.

The 'Israeli' Foreign Ministry stated it will continue its diplomatic efforts alongside the 'Israeli' embassy in The Hague, working with the Dutch government and the mayor of Alkmaar to secure admission and safety guarantees for Hapoel Be'er Sheva supporters ahead of kickoff.