Dutch Football Fans Demand Politics-Free Match Ahead of Hapoel Be'er Sheva Visit
As Israeli champions Hapoel Be'er Sheva prepare for their upcoming Europa League away match against AZ Alkmaar in the Netherlands on October 15th, AZ's ultras have issued a clear message to their own fans. The fan group, Benside Loyals, posted on Instagram stating that the club belongs to them and that there should be "no demonstrations, no political condemnations, no flags of Palestine or Israel." They emphasized "zero tolerance" for anything other than support for AZ.
This directive comes in the wake of a previous incident involving Israeli club Maccabi Tel Aviv, which faced disruptions and anti-Israel protests during an away game against Ajax in Amsterdam in November 2024. The ultras' statement appears to be an attempt to prevent any similar political escalations during Hapoel Be'er Sheva's visit.
Hapoel Be'er Sheva began their Europa League campaign with a 0-0 draw against Dinamo Zagreb. AZ Alkmaar, which features former Maccabi Tel Aviv player Wesley Hoedt, lost their opening match 1-0 away to SonderjyskE.
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