Israel has criticized the Netherlands following the decision to prohibit Israeli football fans from attending a Europa League match in Alkmaar, citing concerns over escalating antisemitism and security risks. The Dutch authorities barred supporters of Hapoel Be’er Sheva from traveling to the city for their scheduled game against AZ Alkmaar on Thursday.
The move comes just two years after a violent incident in Amsterdam, where Maccabi Tel Aviv fans were attacked while attending an Ajax match. Israel’s Foreign Ministry condemned the ban, arguing that it unfairly punishes Israeli fans who have previously been targeted rather than addressing the perpetrators of violence. In a statement posted on the social media platform X (formerly Twitter), the ministry said the Netherlands was effectively rewarding those who incite threats and violence by restricting Israeli supporters. The statement also highlighted a broader issue, labeling the Netherlands as increasingly becoming “one of the world’s leading hotspots for antisemitism.”
Israeli Ambassador Zvi Aviner Vapni held a telephone conversation with Alkmaar Mayor Anja Schouten, urging the municipality to take necessary measures to ensure Israeli fans could attend safely, even if in reduced numbers. However, a spokesperson for the mayor’s office confirmed to Dutch media outlet Nieuwsuur that the decision to ban away fans was final and that the match would proceed without an away crowd.
Security concerns remain heightened as two pro-Palestinian demonstrations are planned near the stadium ahead of the match. Municipal authorities have relocated the protests to Rhijnvis Feithlaan, across from the AZ Alkmaar stadium, adjacent to a local hotel. Local police noted that the stadium premises do not provide adequate space to effectively separate protesters and fans, increasing the risk of disorder.
Israel’s ambassador to the European Union, Avi Nir-Feldklein, expressed his frustration with the ban, stating he had intended to travel to Alkmaar in support of Hapoel Be’er Sheva but was dissuaded due to the “very high risk” cited by Dutch authorities. He criticized the allowance of pro-Hezbollah and pro-Hamas demonstrations in the Netherlands, linking such tolerance to the heightened security threat facing Israeli fans. “Instead of stopping the extremists, they banned the fans. Stand against hate, not against football fans,” Nir-Feldklein said.
This incident marks the second time in less than a month that Hapoel Be’er Sheva supporters have been excluded from attending matches in the Netherlands due to security concerns, underscoring ongoing tensions surrounding Israeli participation in Dutch sporting events.