Alkmaar rejects motion to allow Hapoel Be'er Sheva fans at AZ match

The Alkmaar city council has rejected a motion to reconsider the decision to ban Hapoel Be'er Sheva supporters from the upcoming AZ Alkmaar match on October 15. The decision has sparked intense political debate regarding security and local autonomy.

Mayor Anja Schouten stated that while Alkmaar initially sought to host the visiting Israeli fans, the decision to exclude them was ultimately made following “pressing requests” from the Amsterdam security authorities (the Amsterdam Triangle). This intervention follows previous incidents of violence involving Maccabi Tel Aviv supporters in Amsterdam.

During an emergency debate, VVD representative John van der Rhee criticized the move, arguing that the government should target potential violent individuals rather than excluding entire groups of supporters. He also noted that Jewish organizations expressed hesitation in participating in public debates due to fears of being targeted and increased polarization.