Chaos Erupts in Amsterdam as Antisemitic Violence Erupts Against Israeli Football Supporters

Numerous arrests have occurred after antisemitic rioters “deliberately targeted Israeli supporters for assault” following a football game in Amsterdam, as reported by Dutch officials.

Authorities detained 62 individuals in the Netherlands’ capital in connection with disturbances surrounding a football match between Ajax and Maccabi Tel Aviv.

In the wake of the unrest, five individuals were transported to the hospital after the two teams clashed at the Johan Cruyff Arena, where Ajax triumphed with a score of 5-0.

Initially, Israel announced plans to dispatch aircraft to Amsterdam to return fans but later deemed it “unnecessary”.

Social media footage reveals football fans tearing down a Palestinian flag in central Amsterdam, accompanied by audible anti-Arab chants.

Additional videos depict crowds fleeing through the streets and an individual being assaulted.

A joint statement from Amsterdam police and the prosecutors noted that the evening “was highly chaotic, featuring multiple incidents of violence directed at Maccabi supporters”.

“In various locations throughout the city, supporters faced assaults,” the statement added.

“The police had to intervene repeatedly to safeguard Israeli supporters and escort them to their accommodations. Despite a substantial police presence in the area, injuries occurred among Israeli supporters.

“This wave of violence directed at Israeli supporters is intolerable and cannot be justified in any manner.

“There is no justification for the antisemitic conduct displayed last night by rioters who proactively sought out Israeli supporters to attack and harm.”

Initial arrests were made several hours prior to the match as Israeli supporters congregated in the city center.

Subsequent arrests occurred during a scheduled protest against the arrival of the Tel Aviv team’s players, as well as after the game when hooligans targeted Israeli supporters.

The Dutch police confirmed they were cognizant of reports regarding a potential hostage situation; however, they did not have verification that such an event occurred. They noted that several individuals who had previously been reported as missing had since been located.

Supporters of Maccabi Tel Aviv assembled at Dam Square in the afternoon prior to the match, with approximately ten attendees being arrested for offenses related to public disorder, according to police reports.

In the meantime, a scheduled pro-Palestinian rally occurred at Anton de Komplein square, which is roughly a 15-minute walk from Johan Cruyff Arena. Local officials had prohibited the organizers from holding the rally on-site at the arena.

A portion of this group attempted to reach the arena but were halted by riot police, who were met with fireworks thrown their way, as reported by the authorities.

Around 30 individuals were apprehended at or adjacent to the arena, with the majority arrested for public disorder violations as well as for possessing or igniting fireworks, the report indicated.

Authorities mentioned that fans exited the venue without incident following the game, though disturbances were reported throughout the city.

Chaos erupted in the city during the night.

Clips shared on social media depicted crowds fleeing through the streets, and an individual being assaulted.

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Benjamin Netanyahu’s office announced on Friday morning that the Israeli prime minister had been briefed on the details of “a highly violent occurrence” in Amsterdam.

Israel‘s national security ministry has advised its citizens in the Dutch city to remain in their accommodations, the prime minister’s office stated.

The Israeli security minister, Itamar Ben-Gvir, expressed in a post on X: “Supporters who attended a football match encountered antisemitism and were subjected to unimaginable violence purely due to their Jewish identity and connection to Israel.”

Dutch Prime Minister Dick Schoof shared in a post on X that he followed the developments in Amsterdam with feelings of revulsion.

He mentioned that he was in communication with Mr. Netanyahu regarding the incident and stated that the city is currently “peaceful.”

Israeli President Isaac Herzog commented on X: “We are horrified this morning by the distressing images and footage that we had hoped never to witness again since October 7th: an antisemitic pogrom is unfolding against Maccabi Tel Aviv fans and Israeli citizens in the very heart of Amsterdam.”

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Ursula von der Leyen, the president of the European Commission, articulated her outrage over the abhorrent attacks of the previous night in a post on X.

“I unequivocally condemn these intolerable actions,” she remarked. “Antisemitism has no place whatsoever in Europe. We are determined to combat all manifestations of hatred.”