Supporter arrested before AZ match against Hapoel Be’er Sheva

A football supporter was arrested in Alkmaar before AZ’s match against Israeli side Hapoel Be’er Sheva on Thursday, after allegedly insulting a police officer, according to a police spokesperson. The person was later released after questioning, the spokesperson said on Friday. [1]

The match was played amid security concerns following unrest around Ajax’s game against Maccabi Tel Aviv in November 2024. Alkmaar mayor Anja Schouten had barred Israeli supporters from attending, citing concerns for the away fans’ safety. Israel’s foreign ministry had urged the city to reverse the decision, the report said.

The municipality said the match day passed without major incidents. Several people were removed from the stadium after displaying Palestinian flags. AZ won 2-1.

About 30 to 40 pro-Palestinian demonstrators gathered outside the stadium in a designated area under what the municipality described as close police supervision. A banner bearing Hebrew text was seen there; the municipality said it meant “Go Hamas”. The public prosecutor said the banner was not a criminal offence. Some demonstrators wore face coverings, but police took no action because there was no disorderly conduct, according to the report.