AZ bans Hapoel Beer Sheva fans from Europa League clash in Alkmaar

For the Europa League‑tie on Thursday 15 October at the AFAS Stadium, AZ is refusing the supporters of Israeli Hapoel Beer Sheva for safety reasons. The decision, taken by the triangle of municipality, police and Public Prosecution Service, means that no fan of the club may enter the stadium.

Reasons and response from AZ

The triangle – municipality, police and Public Prosecution Service – based its decision on public safety considerations. AZ stated that it respects the decision and is focusing on a safe and responsibly organised match. The club emphasized that the safety of fans, staff, players and other stakeholders is paramount.

AZ acknowledges that the confrontation provokes various societal reactions and respects differing opinions. The match in Alkmaar starts at 18.45. AZ began the Europa League with a 1‑0 defeat away at Sunderland.

Earlier this year a Europa League‑tie between Ajax and Maccabi Tel Aviv in Amsterdam led to riots. Fans of Maccabi were threatened, intimidated and assaulted at several locations, while some Israeli supporters also misbehaved.

The photo illustrating the situation carries the credit © NurPhoto via Getty Images.

With the exclusion of Hapoel Beer Sheva‑fans, the focus remains entirely on an orderly match at the AFAS Stadium.

This decision underscores AZ’s priority on safety over supporter participation in European matches.