Netherlands 'leading hotbed of antisemitism': Israel condemns Hapoel Be'er Sheva ban

Israel condemned the Netherlands after Alkmaar banned Hapoel Be'er Sheva fans from a Europa League match over security concerns, two years after Maccabi Tel Aviv fans were attacked in Amsterdam. The Foreign Ministry stated the ban rewards those who incite violence and runs counter to the spirit of sport.

Israel has condemned the Netherlands after the city of Alkmaar banned Israeli football fans from attending a Europa League match between Hapoel Be'er Sheva and AZ, scheduled for Thursday. The decision, reported by Dutch news site Nieuwsuur, was made over security concerns, two years after Maccabi Tel Aviv fans were attacked in Amsterdam. Israeli Ambassador Zvi Aviner Vapni spoke with Alkmaar mayor Anja Schouten, urging that everything be done to allow Israeli supporters to attend safely, even in limited numbers. The mayor's spokesperson confirmed the ban is fixed. The Israeli Foreign Ministry posted that the ban "rewards those who threaten and incite violence and runs counter to the very spirit of sport," adding that the Netherlands is becoming "one of the world's leading hotspots for antisemitism." Two anti-Israel demonstrations are planned prior to the match. Mayor Schouten moved the protests to a location opposite the stadium, but police said there is insufficient space to separate protesters and fans. This is the second ban on Hapoel Be'er Sheva in less than a month, following a similar decision by the mayor of Leuven, Belgium, in September.