Jamie Spencer
Israeli soccer fans experienced violent assaults in Amsterdam following Thursday’s Europa League match between Maccabi Tel Aviv and Ajax, sparking widespread condemnation. Dutch police have launched an extensive investigation into multiple antisemitic incidents that left several injured and resulted in 63 arrests, with 10 people remaining in custody.
Amsterdam Mayor Femke Halsema revealed that perpetrators on scooters targeted Maccabi supporters in a series of “hit-and-run” attacks. Expressing her dismay, she stated, “This is a terrible moment for our city… I am very ashamed of the behavior that was shown last night.” The violent episodes left five Israeli fans hospitalized and approximately 20 to 30 others with minor injuries.
Rising Tensions
Prior to the match, social media footage circulated showing Maccabi fans chanting anti-Arab slogans and tearing down Palestinian flags. Tensions escalated further when pro-Palestinian demonstrators attempted to reach the Johan Cruyff Stadium despite a city ban on protests near the venue. Dutch Prime Minister Dick Schoof decried the violence as “horrific” and pledged to hold the perpetrators accountable, emphasizing that such actions were “completely unacceptable.”
Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu compared the attacks to Kristallnacht, warning that similar antisemitic violence had re-emerged in Europe. “Tomorrow, 86 years ago, was Kristallnacht… It’s back now,” he said, reinforcing the need for robust action. Israeli Foreign Minister Gideon Sa’ar called for criminal proceedings against those responsible, denouncing the events as “barbaric and antisemitic.”
Future Security Concerns
In response, Israel’s National Security Council advised its citizens to avoid attending Maccabi Tel Aviv’s upcoming game in Italy. The Israeli foreign ministry is evaluating security protocols for future matches involving Israeli teams in Europe.
Calls have emerged to relocate future matches, including a match between France and Israel scheduled for next week. Despite safety concerns, France’s Interior Minister Bruno Retailleau insisted the game would proceed as planned, stating that moving it would signal a capitulation to violence and antisemitism.
In light of recent events, UEFA announced that an upcoming Europa League match between Maccabi Tel Aviv and Beşiktaş will be played at a neutral location, following Turkish authorities’ decision.
