Alkmaar moves protest against Israeli fans amid safety concerns

Mayor Anja Schouten of Alkmaar has ordered protests against Thursday's Europa League match between AZ and Hapoel Be'er Sheva to be relocated away from the stadium due to safety concerns. Over 200 people are expected to attend these demonstrations, organized by pro-Palestinian groups Boycott 4 Palestine and Week 4 Palestine. Initially, the protests were planned outside the main entrance of the AFAS Stadium, but Schouten moved the demonstrators to gather near the Kooimeer roundabout, the main road junction leading to the stadium.

Schouten stated that adequate management measures are not possible to prevent disorder and separate fans from demonstrators, and the new location allows for safe arrival and departure of protesters while preventing confrontations with other groups. The mayor previously banned Israeli supporters from traveling to the match, citing public order concerns following riots from a previous Europa League game in Amsterdam.

Alkmaar had previously welcomed Israeli fans, but Schouten changed her stance after Amsterdam's mayor appealed for the same. City council opposition criticized Schouten's decision, accusing her of yielding to "powerplay" by Amsterdam's mayor.