Israeli soccer fans were attacked in Amsterdam after a Europa League match between Maccabi Tel Aviv and Ajax on Thursday night. The Dutch police condemned the violence as antisemitic and have launched an investigation into the incidents. Amsterdam’s Mayor, Femke Halsema, described the attacks as “terrible” and expressed shame over the behavior, calling it a criminal act, not a protest.
Timeline of Events
The violence began late Thursday night when groups of criminals on scooters targeted Maccabi supporters in “hit-and-run” style attacks. At least five Israeli fans were hospitalized, though they have since been released. Around 20-30 others sustained lighter injuries. The police arrested 63 people, with 10 still in custody.
Rising Tensions and Social Media Videos
Tensions had been escalating before the match, with videos circulating on social media showing Maccabi fans chanting antisemitic slurs and praising Israeli military actions in Gaza. Other videos showed men tearing down Palestinian flags in Amsterdam. These incidents have added to the volatile atmosphere surrounding the game.
Violent Attacks on Israeli Fans
After the match, several videos emerged showing Israeli fans being ambushed and beaten. One video shows a man being kicked while lying on the ground, and another shows a man being struck by an attacker shouting “free Palestine.” In one disturbing clip, a man who is not Jewish is chased, thrown to the ground, and beaten.
Despite the calm at the stadium itself, police reported that clashes continued throughout the night in the city center.
Future Security Measures
The Israeli government has urged citizens to avoid certain sports events, particularly the upcoming Maccabi Tel Aviv game in Italy, due to safety concerns. Meanwhile, European authorities, including France’s Interior Minister, are increasing security measures for upcoming matches involving Israeli teams.
The European Football Association (UEFA) also announced that a future Europa League match between Maccabi Tel Aviv and Beşiktaş will be moved to a neutral venue for security reasons.The violent attacks on Israeli soccer fans in Amsterdam highlight the growing risks surrounding sports events amid the ongoing Israel-Palestine conflict. Authorities are taking swift action to address the violence, but the incident has raised concerns about safety for Israeli citizens in Europe. As investigations continue, both Dutch and Israeli officials are committed to holding the perpetrators accountable.
