The Europa League clash between Ferencváros and AZ Alkmaar on Thursday night was marred by a shocking pre-planned brawl orchestrated by a group of Ferencváros ultras disguised as stadium stewards. Footage of the incident shows dozens of these ultras, clad in high-visibility security jackets, making their way down the stairs of Budapest’s Groupama Arena, seamlessly blending in with the legitimate security personnel assigned to the away section. This calculated deception allowed them to get within striking distance of the AZ Alkmaar supporters before launching a surprise attack, igniting a chaotic melee in the stands.
The sudden eruption of violence caught many off guard, with punches being thrown by both sets of supporters. The brawl quickly escalated, with fans on both sides of the dividing railings joining the fray. Drinks were hurled from various angles, adding to the chaotic scene. Genuine security personnel struggled to contain the violence, highlighting the effectiveness of the ultras’ disguise tactic in bypassing security measures. The situation deteriorated further, necessitating the intervention of riot police equipped with protective gear and batons to quell the escalating violence.
The incident underscores the pre-existing tensions between the two clubs and their fan bases. Ferencváros ultras have a notorious reputation as one of the most violent supporter groups in Central Europe, with a history of clashes and sanctions from UEFA, European football’s governing body. Past incidents include the reported stabbing of Millwall fans in 2004 before a UEFA Cup match, further cementing their reputation for hooliganism. Additionally, clashes with police following a friendly match against Leeds United in 2013 demonstrate a pattern of violent behavior.
AZ Alkmaar’s away matches are also known to be potentially volatile, as evidenced by a 2023 incident where masked and hooded AZ Alkmaar hooligans breached barriers and attacked West Ham supporters during a European match. This attack, which saw West Ham players and staff intervening to protect their fans, highlights the aggressive nature of some AZ Alkmaar supporters. Clashes between fans before the match, with masked individuals causing mayhem on the streets, further contributed to the volatile atmosphere. These events underscore the ongoing challenges in managing fan behavior and ensuring safety at football matches, particularly those involving clubs with histories of hooliganism.
The history of AZ Alkmaar’s hooliganism is rooted in the “Ben Side” supporters group, named after their location in the Jan van der Ben stand. This group’s documented history of violence, starting with clashes with Feyenoord fans in 1977 and subsequent riots involving knives against Haarlem supporters, paints a picture of entrenched hooligan culture. A particularly disturbing incident in 1986, involving the stabbing of a 16-year-old PSV fan, further emphasizes the dangers associated with these clashes. These historical events contribute to the perception of AZ Alkmaar away days as high-risk.
The incident at the Ferencváros vs. AZ Alkmaar match serves as a stark reminder of the persistent threat of hooliganism in football. The calculated disguise employed by the Ferencváros ultras demonstrates a concerning level of premeditation and organization. This, combined with the history of violence associated with both clubs, necessitates a serious examination of security measures and fan management strategies to prevent future incidents. The incident also highlights the need for continued vigilance and cooperation between clubs, security forces, and governing bodies to address the root causes of football hooliganism and ensure the safety of all attendees at matches.
