The Newshound

Israel demands Netherlands reverse ban on Hapoel Be'er Sheva fans for Europa League match in Alkmaar

From the Newshound archive · first published 12 October 2026.

Gideon Sa'ar has raised the Hapoel Be'er Sheva fan ban directly with his Dutch counterpart, calling for supporters to be admitted and their safety guaranteed.
Gideon Sa'ar has raised the Hapoel Be'er Sheva fan ban directly with his Dutch counterpart, calling for supporters to be admitted and their safety guaranteed.

Israel's Foreign Ministry has urged Dutch authorities to overturn a ban on Hapoel Be'er Sheva supporters attending Thursday's UEFA Europa League away fixture against AZ Alkmaar, after Alkmaar's city council blocked visiting Israeli fans on public order grounds. Foreign Minister Gideon Sa'ar has raised the matter directly with his Dutch counterpart Tom Berendsen, calling for fans to be admitted and their safety assured both inside and outside the stadium.

Alkmaar classified the match as 'very high risk due to the geopolitical context', citing fears that Israeli supporters and protesters could clash.

Dutch authorities pointed to the November 2024 Amsterdam violence, when Israeli Maccabi Tel Aviv supporters were assaulted in the streets following an Ajax Europa League fixture.

Israel's embassy in The Hague has held direct talks with Dutch police while maintaining contact with Hapoel Be'er Sheva's club and the Israel Football Association.

MoreJewish NewsIsrael demands Dutch U-turn over ban on Israeli football fansAlgemeiner.comIsrael Urges Netherlands to Reverse Ban Again Israeli Soccer Fans for Upcoming Europa League Match - Algemeiner.comIsrael National NewsIsrael pushes Netherlands to let Be’er Sheva fans attend Europa League matchThe Times of IsraelNetherlands bans Israeli soccer fans from attending Europa League match; Israel demands reversal - The Times of Israel
Read today's full feed at The Newshound →