Union Saint-Gilloise forced to host Hapoel Beer-Sheva in empty 55,000-seat Düsseldorf Arena over security fears

Union Saint-Gilloise will host Hapoel Beer-Sheva in front of zero supporters at Düsseldorf Arena on Thursday evening, after security concerns forced the Europa League fixture to be relocated from Belgium to a near-empty 55,000-capacity stadium in Germany.

The Belgian club normally plays European matches at Den Dreef in Leuven — itself a temporary arrangement, as their home ground, Joseph Marien Stadium in Brussels, does not meet UEFA regulations. But Leuven mayor Mohamed Ridouani blocked the tie from taking place there, citing fears of civil unrest linked to the ongoing Israeli-Palestinian conflict. “I consistently draw the line there. We cannot guarantee safety,” Ridouani told Belgian broadcaster VRT.

It is not the first time Ridouani has intervened on similar grounds. He previously prevented Belgium’s men’s and women’s national teams from hosting Israel at Den Dreef. Hapoel Beer-Sheva have also faced comparable disruption elsewhere this season, having been required to play their Europa League draw with Dinamo Zagreb in Bucharest for the same reasons.

Union SG subsequently searched for an alternative venue that would allow supporters to attend, but were unable to secure one. Fortuna Düsseldorf’s home ground was ultimately chosen as the least disruptive option for the squad’s preparation, even though fans remain barred from entry.

Union SG head coach David Hubert — who briefly played for Hapoel Beer-Sheva during his career — expressed clear disappointment at the outcome. “We worked very hard to have four European matches to play at home in front of our fans,” he said. “It’s a situation that saddens me and is very unfortunate, but it’s beyond my control. The only thing we have in our hands is the personality and character we show on the pitch. I see this as a challenge to overcome, one that will require each of us to give even more.”

Hapoel Beer-Sheva manager Ran Kozuch echoed that frustration. “It’s very frustrating. Football is made for the fans and by the fans. It’s sad, and it’s something we’ll miss. I would have preferred to play this match in a noisy atmosphere, but we have to deal with the situation.”

Heading into the fixture, Union SG have made a mixed start to the Europa League’s new league phase, beating Viktoria Plzeň away before drawing with Real Sociedad in Leuven. Hapoel Beer-Sheva arrive having lost to AZ Alkmaar in their most recent outing.