Alkmaar:Israel accused the Netherlands of becoming an "antisemitism hotspot" after authorities in Alkmaar upheld a ban on Israeli football fans attending a Europa League match. The ban affects supporters of the Israeli club Hapoel Be'er Sheva who were barred from attending the October 15 match against AZ Alkmaar due to concerns about protests and potential clashes.

According to Anadolu Agency, the Israeli Foreign Ministry expressed that the decision "rewards those who threaten and incite violence" and goes against the spirit of sport. The ministry accused Dutch authorities of punishing "the victims, not the attackers," referencing past clashes involving Israeli fans in Amsterdam.

The ministry also alleged that antisemitic attacks in the Netherlands are being fueled by anti-Israel rhetoric from Dutch politicians and public figures. The ban, alongside a Dutch boycott of the Eurovision Song Contest due to Israel's inclusion, was described as another indication of the Netherlands becoming a leading "hotspot for antisemitism."

There was no immediate response from Dutch authorities. Earlier, Israeli Foreign Minister Gideon Sa'ar discussed the issue with Dutch counterpart Tom Berendsen, seeking to overturn the ban. Israeli officials also contacted the Dutch Foreign Ministry and Alkmaar municipality to ensure the safety of Israeli supporters.

The incident comes almost two years after unrest at a match between Maccabi Tel Aviv and Ajax in Amsterdam, which involved racist and anti-Palestinian chants from Israeli fans and acts of vandalism. In August, Dutch broadcaster AVROTROS announced a boycott of the 2027 Eurovision Song Contest over Israel's participation, continuing a trend from the previous year.