Amsterdam Mayor Influenced Alkmaar's Decision to Ban Hapoel Beer Sheva Fans

Hapoel Beer Sheva fans will not be allowed to attend their team's upcoming Europa League match against AZ Alkmaar, a decision reportedly influenced by the mayor of Amsterdam. New information published in the Dutch media suggests that Femke Halsema, the mayor of Amsterdam, exerted significant pressure on her counterpart in Alkmaar, Anja Schouten, to prevent Israeli fans from entering the city.

Until recently, Alkmaar's mayor intended to permit Hapoel Beer Sheva supporters to attend the game. Alkmaar had communicated to Amsterdam authorities that there was no immediate reason to deny entry. However, this stance reportedly caused surprise and concern in Amsterdam, which had previously shared intelligence, warnings, past experiences, and potential risks with Alkmaar on September 11.

Halsema's apprehension stemmed from a desire to avoid a repeat of incidents in Amsterdam in 2024, where Maccabi Tel Aviv fans were attacked following a match against Ajax. Despite the Hapoel Beer Sheva game being scheduled for Alkmaar, the Amsterdam mayor feared that the Israeli fans might stay in Amsterdam, leading her to quickly join Alkmaar's security forum. A final decision was made on Monday by the forum to prohibit Hapoel Beer Sheva fans from attending.

A spokesperson for the mayor of Alkmaar acknowledged the situation, stating, "We understand this feeling. We would have preferred to welcome the Hapoel Beer Sheva fans. But we must be able to guarantee the safety of the players and the fans."