Dutch police have made 62 arrests and confirmed five people have been injured after Maccabi Tel Aviv supporters were attacked in Amsterdam following their Europa League tie with Ajax on Thursday.
Riot police had to intervene after Maccabi supporters were “attacked, abused and pelted with fireworks” in several locations across the capital, according to Dutch authorities.
Netherlands Prime Minister Dick Schoof condemned the “antisemitic attacks”.
A Maccabi statement confirmed the club were in contact with Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu’s government to coordinate supporters’ return to the country.
Dutch authorities said a “major” investigation was being launched into the events, adding they are still working to establish the extent of those injured.
A statement from the Amsterdam triangle — consisting of the city’s mayor, police chief and chief public prosecutor — read: “The night after the football match between Ajax and Maccabi Tel Aviv was very turbulent with several violent incidents aimed at Maccabi supporters. In several places in the city, supporters were attacked, abused and pelted with fireworks.
“Riot police had to intervene several times, protect Israeli supporters and escort them to hotels. Despite the massive police presence in the city, Israeli supporters were injured. The extent of incidents, victims and arrests is now being mapped out.
“This outburst of violence against Israeli supporters is beyond all bounds and cannot be justified in any way. There is no excuse for the anti-Semitic behaviour displayed last night by rioters who actively sought out Israeli supporters to attack and abuse them.”
Amsterdam police had confirmed ahead of the fixture on Thursday morning that an additional police presence had been in place amid concerns of rising tensions in the city, citing the upcoming Europa League matches between Ajax and Maccabi and AZ Alkmaar and Fenerbahce as potential reasons. Police said a Palestinian flag was pulled down from the front of a building on the Rodkin, one of Amsterdam’s major streets, by an unidentified individual on Wednesday evening.
Prime Minister Schoof wrote on X: “(I) am horrified by the antisemitic attacks on Israeli citizens. This is completely unacceptable. I am in close contact with all parties involved and have just spoken to Israeli Prime Minister Netanyahu by phone to stress that the perpetrators will be identified and prosecuted. The situation in Amsterdam is now calm once more.”
A statement from Netanyahu’s office read: “Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu spoke with Dutch Prime Minister Dick Schoof and emphasised the great importance of the Dutch government ensuring the wellbeing of all Israelis in the Netherlands, including those who were wounded and injured in the disturbances.
“Prime Minister Netanyahu said that he views with utmost gravity the planned antisemitic attack against Israeli citizens and requested that security be increased for the Dutch Jewish community.”
A Maccabi statement read: “Following the night’s events, the club is in direct contact with the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and the Ministry of Culture and Sports to help coordinate the return of the fans who are in Amsterdam. Our main goal is the safe and quick return of the fans to Israel.”
Extra police presence has been promised in the coming days to monitor the situation and a press conference will take place at Amsterdam’s City Hall later on Friday where additional measures will be announced.
(VLN Niews/ANP/AFP)
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