Press Release – Jewish Information and Documentation Center (JID)

Penalty for antisemitic violence during football match falls short

Antwerp, May 21, 2026

The Jewish Information and Documentation Centre (JID) takes note of the decision of the Disciplinary Committee of Voetbal Vlaanderen regarding the extremely violent antisemitic incidents and acts of aggression that occurred during the match between KSC Maccabi and FC Belgica B on 6 May 2026.

Although the racist and antisemitic statements were explicitly acknowledged and condemned, the sanctions imposed are not proportionate to the seriousness of the facts.

The referee’s report makes it clear that the incident involved not only antisemitic insults and hateful remarks directed at Jewish players and supporters, but also physical violence, including punches, blows, spitting, and aggression against several individuals. Police ultimately had to intervene to bring the situation under control.

This case is therefore not merely about inappropriate chants or insults from the sidelines. It concerns organized intimidation, antisemitic hatred, and physical attacks during a youth match. The fact that such acts result in limited suspensions and low fines sends the wrong signal and risks minimizing the severity of antisemitic violence.

Moreover, Maccabi youth players are repeatedly confronted with physical intimidation and antisemitic chants during matches.

Such expressions must never become “the new normal." This is precisely why a clear boundary must be drawn: this far and no further. This requires not only a firm and unequivocal condemnation but also appropriate sanctions from both the football federation and the public prosecutor’s office.

JID therefore calls on the prosecutor’s office to take the filed complaints and police reports seriously and to follow them up. It is time to deliver on the promised zero tolerance for antisemitism. Violence and antisemitic hate crimes must not remain without judicial consequences. Sports grounds must never become places where Jewish children, players, parents, or supporters feel unsafe.

Antisemitism and violence have no place in our society or on a football field.

End of press release

For press contact:

Jewish Information and Documentation Center (JID)

www.stopantisemitisme.be

[email protected]

Michel Kotek

Chairman