Israeli ministry urges fan entry as AZ and Union ban Hapoel supporters
The Israeli foreign ministry has formally requested that supporters of Hapoel Be’er Sheva be permitted to attend the Europa League tie at AZ Alkmaar on 15 October, despite both AZ and Union having already announced bans on those fans and have confirmed the matches will be played without away supporters.
Upcoming fixtures under scrutiny
Hapoel Be’er Sheva travel to Alkmaar for the 15 October fixture, and a week later they face Union in Düsseldorf. Both clubs have taken steps to exclude the Israeli side’s travelling fans, mirroring each other’s security measures. The games form part of the Europa League group stage, meaning the outcomes affect qualification chances. Union’s relocation to Düsseldorf follows the Leuven mayor’s veto of the match in his city.
Dutch authorities stand firm on bans
The Times of Israel reported that the Israeli Ministry of Foreign Affairs, led by Minister Gideon Saar, pressed Dutch authorities to reverse the bans and guarantee fan safety in and around the stadium. Saar is said to have spoken with his Dutch counterpart about the issue. The ministry’s statement demanded “that supporters of Hapoel Beer Sheva may attend the match and that their safety in and around the Stadion is guaranteed”. Fans, however, remain barred from the AFAS Stadion.
Israel demands admission of Hapoel Beer Sheva supporters in Alkmaar
Leuven mayor Mohamed Ridouani exercised his veto, forcing Union to seek an alternative venue just over the border in Germany. Brussels found a replacement in Düsseldorf, but, unlike AZ, the venue will also not welcome home supporters. Het besluit om uitfans te weren heeft geleid to a closed‑door policy for both clubs.
A spokesperson for the Dutch Ministry of Foreign Affairs declined to comment on the talks between Berendsen and Saar. Meanwhile, a spokesperson for Alkmaar mayor Anja Schouten confirmed, after receiving a phone call from Israel, that the decision to exclude away fans is final and that Thursday’s match in Alkmaar will be played without spectators. Fans of Hapoel are not welcome in the AFAS Stadion.
Israel ramps up diplomatic push as Alkmaar sticks to fan ban
Union may soon expect a similar phone call from Israeli officials, as the ministry continues to press for fan access. The Belgian club now faces the task of finding a new stadium for the Europa League tie, after the Leuven mayor prohibited the match in his city.