Tournaments ·
Dutch Authorities Ban Hapoel Beersheba Supporters from AZ Alkmaar Match Over Security Concerns
Local authorities in Alkmaar have barred visiting Hapoel Beersheba fans from Thursday's Europa League fixture against AZ Alkmaar, prompting diplomatic protest from Israel.
Local authorities in Alkmaar, Netherlands, issued a ban on October 12, 2026, barring travelling Hapoel Beersheba supporters from attending their UEFA Europa League Matchday 2 fixture against AZ Alkmaar scheduled for Thursday, October 15, 2026. Municipal officials cited security concerns as the primary rationale behind prohibiting the visiting fans from entering the stadium.
The decision sparked swift diplomatic intervention from Israel. Israeli Foreign Minister Gideon Sa'ar personally contacted his Dutch counterpart, Tom Berendsen, alongside Alkmaar municipal leaders. The Israeli Foreign Ministry released an official statement demanding that Hapoel Beersheba supporters be granted access to the match and that "their safety be guaranteed inside and around the stadium." Despite the tensions, both teams are maintaining their scheduled match preparations.
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Gideon Sa'ar · AZ Alkmaar · Hapoel Beersheba · Europa League
Competition: UEFA Europa League