Several Israeli fans of the Maccabi Tel Aviv soccer team were reportedly attacked in Amsterdam on Wednesday night ahead of the team’s Europa League match against AFC Ajax. Local media reported that disturbances erupted at Dam Square, where a group allegedly chanted pro-Palestinian slogans and set off fireworks and flares. Some Israeli fans sustained minor injuries, and at least 10 individuals were detained for offenses including disturbing the peace, NL Times reported.
Speaking to Israeli outlet Mako, some Maccabi fans claimed that the altercation began when objects were thrown at them as they left a nearby pub, sparking hours of unrest. During the riots, some Israeli fans reportedly removed a Palestinian flag from a residential building. A video circulating on social media showed a Maccabi supporter being pushed into an Amsterdam canal and forced into saying, “free Palestine."
🚨🇳🇱🇮🇱 MACCABI TEL AVIV FANS ATTACKED IN AMSTERDAM, 12 INJUREDIn Amsterdam, following a Maccabi Tel Aviv F.C. match, fans faced violent attacks outside the stadium, resulting in 12 reported injuries, some serious. Many Israeli sports tourists sought refuge in nearby hotels… pic.twitter.com/NS5X9iFn9c
— Mario Nawfal (@MarioNawfal) November 8, 2024
Amsterdam police said they heightened security across the city after "receiving signals that there were tensions in several places in the center, possibly as a result of the upcoming match between Ajax and the Israeli club Maccabi, and AZ against the Turkish club Fenerbahçe."
“On Rokin [Street], a Palestinian flag was pulled from a house front by currently unknown individuals. On Max Euwe Square, police prevented a confrontation between a group of taxi drivers and a group of visitors who emerged from the adjacent casino," the statement continued, JNS reported.
Authorities emphasized they are committed to ensuring a “safe and orderly” game, prohibiting political expressions both inside and outside the stadium.
"In the Johan Cruijff Arena, it is about our club and our city, and we strive for togetherness. Therefore, we do not want to see flags from conflict zones and other political expressions during the Europa League match between our very own Ajax and Maccabi Tel Aviv FC," they said.