Amsterdam soccer violence/ Israeli fans attacked/ antisemitic attacks/ Europa League/ Dutch security/ Maccabi Tel Aviv/ Ajax/ Netanyahu/ Newslooks/ AMSTERDAM/ J. Mansour/ Morning Edition/ Following a Europa League match between Ajax and Maccabi Tel Aviv, violent clashes erupted in Amsterdam, resulting in five hospitalizations and 62 arrests. The violence was reportedly targeted at Israeli fans, and authorities are investigating the incidents as antisemitic attacks. Dutch and Israeli leaders condemned the violence, pledging heightened security for Jewish communities in the area.
“Amsterdam Soccer Violence: Key Details Quick Looks”
- Post-Match Violence: Israeli fans faced targeted attacks after a Europa League match in Amsterdam, leading to five injuries and 62 arrests.
- Antisemitic Motives Suspected: Authorities are treating the incidents as antisemitic, with officials condemning the attacks.
- High-Profile Responses: Dutch and Israeli leaders condemned the violence, and Israel’s foreign minister made an urgent diplomatic visit.
- Increased Security: Amsterdam police are boosting patrols around Jewish institutions and increasing citywide security.
- Tensions Impacting Soccer Matches: UEFA has moved Maccabi Tel Aviv’s next match due to safety concerns, reflecting rising security issues for Israeli teams.
Clashes in Amsterdam Target Israeli Soccer Fans; 5 Injured, 62 Arrested
Deep Look
Five Israeli soccer fans were hospitalized, and 62 individuals were detained after a night of violence in Amsterdam following a Europa League match between Ajax and Maccabi Tel Aviv. Amsterdam police reported that Israeli fans were systematically targeted by assailants in incidents that authorities are investigating as antisemitic attacks. Video footage showed some Israeli fans chanting anti-Arab slogans, though it remains unclear what sparked the violence. Dutch and Israeli leaders swiftly condemned the attacks, pledging to pursue justice and increase security.
In a Friday press briefing, Amsterdam Mayor Femke Halsema confirmed that Dutch counterterrorism officials had not identified a specific threat to Israeli fans before the game. However, Peter Holla, Amsterdam’s acting police chief, noted that the violence appeared “willfully targeted” at Maccabi supporters. In a coordinated response, Amsterdam police launched a large-scale investigation into the night’s events.
According to a joint statement from the city’s municipality, police, and prosecutor’s office, Thursday night was “turbulent with multiple violent incidents aimed at Maccabi supporters.” The statement clarified that groups of rioters deliberately sought out Israeli fans across various locations in Amsterdam, forcing police to intervene and escort fans to safety.
“This outburst of violence toward Israeli supporters is unacceptable and cannot be defended in any way. There is no excuse for the antisemitic behavior exhibited last night,” stated the Amsterdam city officials, denouncing the violence and promising a rigorous investigation.
In preparation for the game, authorities had already banned a planned pro-Palestinian demonstration near the stadium to prevent potential clashes. Tensions flared earlier in the day as well, with riot police intervening to prevent pro-Palestinian supporters from marching toward the Johan Cruyff Arena. There was also an incident where a Palestinian flag was forcibly removed from a building in the city center.
Israel’s response to the violence was swift, initially arranging two planes to bring Israeli citizens home from Amsterdam. Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu’s office later announced plans to support the safe return of all Israelis involved in the incident. “The harsh pictures of the assault on our citizens in Amsterdam will not be overlooked,” Netanyahu’s office stated, calling on Dutch authorities to take “vigorous and swift action” against those responsible. Netanyahu also urged increased security measures for Jewish communities across the Netherlands.
Dutch Prime Minister Dick Schoof responded on social media, describing the attacks as “completely unacceptable antisemitic attacks on Israelis.” Schoof confirmed that he had spoken with Netanyahu and assured him that the perpetrators would be pursued and prosecuted. As of Friday morning, Amsterdam was calm, with additional police patrolling the city and monitoring Jewish institutions for further incidents.
This violent episode underscores a trend of escalating security concerns for Israeli teams playing abroad, especially in Europe, as tensions from the Middle East conflict spill into international sporting events. These concerns recently led the Belgian soccer federation to relocate a men’s Nations League game with Israel to Hungary in September, played without fans. Following the Amsterdam incidents, European soccer’s governing body UEFA announced earlier this week that Maccabi Tel Aviv’s next Europa League match, originally scheduled to be held in Istanbul against Besiktas on November 28, would be relocated to a neutral site.
As Israeli soccer teams face heightened security risks, upcoming matches will require increased vigilance. Israel’s national team is also scheduled to play against France in Paris in the Nations League next Thursday, where security will undoubtedly be a top priority.
