Alkmaar bans Hapoel Beer Sheva fans: safety above all

While AZ prepares for the second Europa League tie against Hapoel Beer Sheva, the local safety triangle – municipality, police and Public Prosecution Service – bans the supporters of the Israeli club from entering the stadium in Alkmaar. This decision was taken after a public safety assessment and will leave the stand empty during the match that starts on Thursday 15 October at 18:45.

Decision of the safety triangle

The triangle, consisting of the municipality, the police and the Public Prosecution Service, imposed the ban based on public safety assessments, according to a message on AZ’s club website. AZ accepted the decision without protest and emphasised in an official statement that the safety of supporters, staff, players and other parties is paramount.

In the statement AZ said: “AZ understands that this match evokes different reactions and views within society and respects that people have differing opinions on it.” “But our responsibility lies in organising a safe and responsible match within the framework set by UEFA and the competent authorities,” the club added.

The match at the AFAS Stadium begins on Thursday 15 October at 18:45, but the away stand will remain empty as the fans of Hapoel Beer Sheva are not allowed entry.

This is AZ’s second European confrontation this season; the first was an away game against Sunderland, in which the visitors lost 1‑0 from a penalty.

Directly after AZ comes an important match against Feyenoord, which takes place on Saturday at De Kuip and promises a duel between the number one and two of the Eredivisie.