Basketball-Euroleague
Police before Alba game against Maccabi: protection at every stage
In times of escalation of the Middle East conflict, the Maccabi Tel Aviv basketball game in Berlin is under special observation. The police do not want to be surprised by protests.
The police want to nip possible anti-Israel riots surrounding the basketball game between Alba Berlin and Maccabi Tel Aviv in the bud. “We will show our presence publicly. That means we will be present in the hall with emergency services and support the law enforcement officers,” said a police spokesman for the German Press Agency. Alba welcomes the Israeli champions on Thursday evening (8 p.m./Magentasport) in the Uber Arena at Ostbahnhof.
Numerous police forces will be on duty in and around the hall. There are great security measures. After the violent and anti-Semitic incidents three weeks ago at Maccabi Tel Aviv’s football match at Ajax Amsterdam, everyone involved has been warned.
Maccabi team is escorted
That’s why the area around the Uber Arena in Friedrichshain is cordoned off. The Maccabi team hotel in Berlin Mitte is also sealed off the day before the game and the team is escorted into the hall under police protection. “Our goal is to ensure the highest possible level of protection and security at every stage,” said the police spokesman.
A demonstration has not yet been registered, but actions must be expected. “Accordingly, we have to prepare for these scenarios,” the police spokesman continued.
Police, arena operators and Alba coordinate their security measures. “The Berlin police, the Uber Arena and Alba Berlin are in close communication regarding the game against Maccabi Tel Aviv and are acting in accordance with the authorities’ assessment of the situation,” said a club statement. Due to the increased security measures, spectators should arrive at the arena earlier.
Players focus on the sport
Security measures were already strengthened during Maccabi’s last visit to Berlin in February. “There were significantly fewer spectators at the game back then because they said to themselves, this might be a game where they don’t necessarily come into the hall,” said Alba’s co-captain Jonas Mattisseck. The players try to concentrate on sports. “Of course you have respect for it, but you try not to let it get to you too much,” Mattisseck continued.
dpa
