Amsterdam Violence: What We Know

AFP/APP

Amsterdam: Amsterdam’s mayor called Friday a “pitch black” day following violence involving Maccabi Tel Aviv fans and men on scooters across multiple city areas, sparking global outrage.

US President Joe Biden condemned the “anti-Semitic” attacks as “despicable,” while the Palestinian foreign ministry denounced “anti-Arab chants by Israelis and an attack against the Palestinian flag in Amsterdam.”

Wednesday: Rising Tensions

Before the Europa League match between Ajax and Maccabi Tel Aviv, which Ajax won 5-0, Amsterdam police chief Peter Holla reported initial clashes between fans of Ajax, Maccabi Tel Aviv, and Turkish club Fenerbahce, which played another Dutch club, AZ Alkmaar.

Maccabi fans reportedly burned a Palestinian flag on Dam Square and vandalized a taxi, prompting taxi drivers to mobilize against Maccabi supporters. Police intervened to separate groups, restoring calm by 03:30 a.m.

Thursday: Match Build-Up

Around 1:00 p.m., Maccabi supporters gathered on Dam Square, with incidents including fireworks. Police moved a pro-Palestinian demonstration elsewhere to avoid confrontation. Video surfaced on social media showing Maccabi fans allegedly chanting offensive slogans in Hebrew.

Riot police kept groups apart at the stadium, and the match itself passed peacefully, despite reported booing by Israeli fans during a minute’s silence for Spain flood victims. Calm resumed around 11:00 p.m.

Post-Match Attacks in City Center

After the game, men on scooters attacked Maccabi fans in hit-and-run incidents, hospitalizing five. Mayor Femke Halsema condemned the assaults as anti-Semitic, expressing shame. Social media videos showed groups chasing and abusing Maccabi supporters.

Police made 62 initial arrests, later releasing all but 10. Additional security measures and a demonstration ban were enacted, with Israel arranging evacuation flights for fans.

Widespread Outrage

The violence, amid rising anti-Semitic incidents linked to the Gaza conflict, drew global condemnation. Israeli President Isaac Herzog called the attacks reminiscent of the October 7 Hamas assault in Israel.

Dutch Prime Minister Dick Schoof denounced the “terrible anti-Semitic attack,” pledging to prosecute offenders. Palestinian authorities called on the Dutch government to protect Palestinians and Arabs, decrying “racist ideas” spread by Israelis in Europe.