Amsterdam Mayor Pushed Alkmaar to Ban Hapoel Be'er Sheva Fans
Translated & summarized from Now 14 by baba
The story in 5 lines · by baba
- Amsterdam Mayor pressured Alkmaar to ban Israeli football fans.
- The ban is linked to fears of violence against Hapoel Be'er Sheva supporters.
- Past attacks on Maccabi Tel Aviv fans in Amsterdam are a cited reason.
- Alkmaar is located near Amsterdam, raising concerns about fan gatherings.
- The final decision to ban fans was made by Alkmaar authorities for security.
Amsterdam Mayor Femke Halsema reportedly pressured her counterpart in Alkmaar to ban fans of Israeli football club Hapoel Be'er Sheva from attending a Europa League match, according to Dutch newspaper Noordhollands Dagblad. Halsema allegedly urged Alkmaar Mayor Anja Schouten to reverse an initial decision to allow the Israeli fans entry for the October 15th game.
The report describes Halsema's actions as a "power struggle," with one metaphor suggesting she "put a knife to the throat" of the Alkmaar mayor, implying intense pressure was applied. The decision to ban the fans is linked to concerns about potential violence, specifically recalling an incident in November 2024 where Maccabi Tel Aviv fans were attacked in Amsterdam.
Authorities in Alkmaar initially planned to permit Hapoel Be'er Sheva supporters to purchase tickets. However, upon learning of this, Halsema intervened. A key consideration was Alkmaar's proximity to Amsterdam, just a 30-minute train ride away, leading to fears that many Hapoel Be'er Sheva fans would stay in Amsterdam, potentially increasing the risk of public gatherings and confrontations.
Ultimately, Alkmaar authorities announced that Hapoel Be'er Sheva fans would not be allowed to attend the match. The official statement cited security reasons only, following consultations with the municipality, police, and prosecution.
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