Israel Protests Dutch Ban on Hapoel Beer-Sheva Fans
Translated & summarized from i24NEWS French by baba
Alkmaar, Netherlands, has banned Hapoel Beer-Sheva fans from attending a Europa League match due to public order concerns. Israel's ambassador protested, but the decision was upheld. The Israeli Foreign Ministry condemned the ban, calling it unjust and linking it to antisemitism and past violence against Israeli fans. This is the second such incident for Hapoel Beer-Sheva in recent weeks.
The story in 5 lines · by baba
- Alkmaar, Netherlands, banned Hapoel Beer-Sheva fans from a Europa League match citing public order risks.
- Israel's ambassador protested the ban, but the Dutch municipality upheld its decision.
- Israel's Foreign Ministry called the ban unjust and a reward for violence.
- The ministry linked the decision to antisemitism and past violence against Israeli fans.
- This is the second time Hapoel Beer-Sheva fans have been barred from a match recently.
The municipality of Alkmaar has confirmed that Hapoel Beer-Sheva supporters will be barred from attending the Europa League match against AZ on Thursday, citing a high risk of public disorder. Israel's Ambassador to the Netherlands, Zvi Aviner Vapni, spoke with Alkmaar Mayor Anja Schouten by phone, requesting that at least a limited number of fans be allowed to attend under protection. However, the municipality stated its decision is final.
The Israeli Ministry of Foreign Affairs strongly condemned the decision, calling it one that "rewards those who threaten and incite violence" and goes against the spirit of sport. The ministry drew a parallel to violence against Maccabi Tel Aviv supporters in Amsterdam two years prior, accusing Dutch authorities of "banning the victims, not the aggressors." The ministry also labeled the Netherlands as a major "hotbed of antisemitism" globally.
Two protests against the Israeli team's presence are planned before the match. While local authorities relocated them near the stadium, police believe the available space is insufficient to separate protesters from fans and prevent potential incidents. Israel's Ambassador to the European Union, Avi Nir-Feldklein, also criticized the ban, stating that anti-Israel activists are permitted to demonstrate while Israeli fans are excluded.
This marks the second time in less than a month that a Hapoel Beer-Sheva match has been prevented from taking place in its initially scheduled city. In September, authorities in Leuven, Belgium, blocked a planned game against Union Saint-Gilloise.
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