Israeli fans banned from attending Europa League match in Alkmaar — Interia Sport
In the Dutch city of Alkmaar, Israeli fans have been banned from attending the Europa League match between local side AZ and Hapoel Be'er Sheva, scheduled for Thursday, October 15. The decision was made on September 30 by the local security group, which includes the mayor, police and prosecutor's office, Interia Sport reports.
When making the decision, officials considered not only the situation at the stadium, but also the possible several-day stay of Israeli fans in the Netherlands, announced demonstrations and signals on social media.
Concerns over events in Amsterdam
Authorities in Alkmaar analyzed various scenarios in light of the unrest surrounding the Ajax vs. Maccabi Tel Aviv match in November 2024. Alkmaar Mayor Anja Schouten said that, according to information from Amsterdam authorities, the current signals are more serious than those ahead of that game. NH Nieuws reported this.
As the Polish Press Agency recalls, tensions ahead of the Amsterdam match began several days before the game. Some Maccabi fans tore down Palestinian flags, attacked taxis and chanted offensive slogans against Arabs, as well as slogans supporting the Israeli army's actions in the Gaza Strip.
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Investigations and sentences
After the match, groups of attackers searched for Israeli fans in central Amsterdam. Beatings, harassment and attacks occurred. The investigation found that the locations of Israelis and calls for violence were circulated via WhatsApp.
Five participants in the unrest were sentenced to penalties ranging from community service to six months in prison. Other sentences were also handed down in 2025, including six months in prison for a man who knocked down a fleeing Maccabi fan and kicked him in the head. Individuals involved in coordinating attacks via WhatsApp were also convicted.
The prosecutor's office also considered cases involving threats against two women wearing hijabs and the beating of a woman at a metro station, in which Israeli fans were implicated. The proceedings were closed due to insufficient evidence, including after some surveillance camera footage was deleted. In the publicly described cases, no Maccabi fan was convicted.
