Amsterdam witnessed severe unrest as five people were hospitalized and 62 arrested following violent clashes centered around supporters of Israeli football club Maccabi Tel Aviv after their match against Ajax, which ended in a 5-0 defeat for the visitors.
Dutch Prime Minister Dick Schoof labeled the incidents as “anti-Semitic attacks,” reportedly provoked by Maccabi fans. During the match, Maccabi supporters were seen mocking a moment of silence for flood victims in Valencia, as per footage from the stadium.
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Videos on social media showed Maccabi fans chanting racist slogans against Arabs and Palestine and climbing buildings to tear down Palestinian flags. According to BBC News, these incidents occurred before the attacks on Israeli fans.
An Ajax fan described seeing Maccabi supporters aggressively seeking confrontations on the Amsterdam metro. He criticized the media’s portrayal of the events, emphasizing that the violence was provoked, with Palestinian flags being torn down the night before.
Amsterdam police chief Peter Holla recounted earlier scuffles between fans, including incidents where Maccabi supporters destroyed a taxi and burned a Palestinian flag in the city’s main square. He added that police intervened to prevent further violence at a casino, narrowly avoiding a major confrontation.
After the match, Maccabi fans reportedly faced “hit-and-run” attacks while walking through the city. Despite rumors of missing Israeli fans, Holla confirmed no evidence of abductions but assured a thorough investigation.
In response to the violence, Amsterdam mayor Femke Halsema implemented emergency measures, including increased police powers, a ban on demonstrations, and prohibiting face coverings. She defended her stance, stating the incidents were not protests but acts of violence.
In the aftermath, Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu dispatched two planes to evacuate Israeli fans, with the first group arriving home on Friday. He also tasked Mossad with developing strategies to prevent similar unrest at future sporting events.
European and Israeli leaders condemned the violence, describing it as an “anti-Semitic attack” and even a “pogrom.” EU chief Ursula von der Leyen expressed outrage over the “vile attacks” targeting Israelis in Amsterdam.
