Enschede bans supporters of Turkish football team Besiktas from FC Twente match

Besiktas will not be allowed to take any supporters to the away match against FC Twente in the UEFA Europa League. This decision was made by the mayor of Enschede, Roelof Bleker.

Police have designated the match as one that has a high risk of escalations and disturbances to the public order. "Partly based on police advice, and after consultation with the police and Public Prosecution Service, the mayor considers it advisable to take these measures,” said the municipality of Enschede.

They added that this will limit the presence of fan groups to help keep the safety and public order surrounding the match.

FC Twente and Besiktas face each other on Thursday, January 30. Twente are still winless after six matches in this season’s Europa League. Besiktas will be playing their second match in the Netherlands this season after they lost 4-0 to Ajax in September.

This comes days after 10 Manchester United fans were arrested for brawls in Manchester with what was allegedly Twente supporters before their match on September 25. According to reports from British media outlets, two groups of around 40 people clashed in the streets in what was a pre-planned fight.

Twente was also forced to close a section of their stadium for their match against Belgian team Union Saint Gilloise after they were punished for racially abusing Lazio player Loum Tchaouna.