AZ Alkmaar bans entry of Israeli fans ahead of the match.

AZ Alkmaar's upcoming Europa League clash, scheduled for October 15, gained prominence because authorities decided to veto the entry of Hapoel Beer-Sheva fans from Israel. The measure was taken due to the context of high tension between Israel and Palestine and violent incidents that occurred in European matches.

Reasons for the ban

The mayor of Alkmaar, Anja Schouten, reported that the high-risk classification stems from the analysis of the profile of Israeli fans and the worsening of the geopolitical scenario. The municipal government considered that the presence of these fans could turn the sporting event into something beyond a simple game.

Pressure from neighboring authorities

Femke Halsema, mayor of Amsterdam, exerted strong pressure on the security triangle formed by the city hall, police, and Public Prosecutor's Office to prevent the presence of Israeli fans. According to reports from the newspaper De Telegraaf, Halsema feared a repeat of episodes like the “Jew hunt” of 2024, when Maccabi Tel Aviv fans were assaulted in Amsterdam after a clash with Ajax.

Precedents of violence

In 2024, clashes between Ajax and Maccabi Tel Aviv fans resulted in destruction on the streets of Amsterdam, an attack on a taxi, and the hospitalization of five people, in addition to 62 arrests. These incidents were cited as a reference for Alkmaar's decision, which sought to avoid a new escalation of violence.

Impact on Mateo Chávez

Mexican player Mateo Chávez, who is part of AZ Alkmaar and is currently in training camp with the Mexican National Team, is experiencing a standout moment at the club. Despite the restrictions on visiting fans, the club emphasized that the priority is to ensure a safe and responsible match, in accordance with UEFA regulations and competent authorities.

Community reaction

The decision was criticized by the Centraal Joods Overleg (CJO), which considered the measure a late response to previous threats. However, Schouten's spokesperson reiterated that the ban was necessary to protect players and fans.

With information from TUDN, Yahoo, https://fomoera.com/.