Anti-Semitic rioters attack Israeli soccer fans during riots in Amsterdam

Dozens of arrests were made after a soccer match in Amsterdam after anti-Semitic rioters “actively sought out Israeli supporters to attack,” Dutch authorities said.

Police arrested 62 people in the Dutch capital after riots surrounding a football match between Ajax and Maccabi Tel Aviv.

Five people were taken to hospital after violence erupted as the two sides faced each other at the Johan Cruyff Arena, with Ajax running out 5-0 winners.

Israel initially said it planned to send military planes to Amsterdam to send fans home, but later decided to send two commercial planes instead.

Footage shared on social media shows soccer fans removing the Palestinian flag in the center of Amsterdam. Anti-Arab shouts could also be heard.

Other videos show mobs running through the streets and beating the man.

A statement released by Amsterdam police and prosecutors said the evening “was very turbulent with several incidents of violence directed at Maccabi supporters”.

“At several places in the city, supporters were attacked,” the message reads.

“Police had to intervene several times, protect Israeli fans and escort them to hotels. Despite the massive police presence in the city, Israeli fans were injured.

“This outbreak of violence against pro-Israeli supporters is unacceptable and indefensible in any way.

“There is no excuse for the anti-Semitic behavior displayed last night by rioters who actively sought out Israeli supporters to attack.”

The first arrests took place hours before the game, when Israeli fans gathered in the city center.

Then there were more arrests during a planned demonstration against the arrival of Tel Aviv players, and after the match hooligans attacked Israeli fans.

Dutch police said they were aware of reports of a possible hostage situation, but had no confirmation that it actually happened. According to them, several people who were considered missing have now been found.

Maccabi Tel Aviv fans gathered in Dame Square in the afternoon before the match, and around 10 people were arrested for criminal offences, including disorderly conduct, police said.

Meanwhile, a planned pro-Palestinian demonstration took place in Place Anton de Complein, about a 15-minute walk from the Johan Cruyff Arena. The local authorities forbade the organizers to hold a demonstration on the spot.

Part of this group tried to descend to the ground, but they were stopped by the police, who threw firecrackers.

About 30 people were arrested in or near the arena, most of them for disorderly conduct and carrying or lighting fireworks, the statement added.

Police said fans left the arena without incident after the match, but clashes were reported in the city center overnight.

A video posted on social media shows a mob running through the streets and beating the man.

The ugly scenes revived the worst memories of anti-Semitism in Europe

The scenes in Amsterdam on Thursday night were extremely ugly as Israeli soccer fans were chased, beaten and kicked on the floor.

Some videos allegedly show fans being stopped and forced to show their passports.

It brings back the worst memories of anti-Semitism in Europe, especially since it happened on the anniversary of Kristallnacht, the Night of Broken Glass, when the Nazis unleashed a series of pogroms against Jews in 1938.

Senior Israeli politicians condemned yesterday’s violence as an organized pogrom and called on the Dutch authorities to arrest those responsible. 62 people have already been detained.

The Dutch prime minister said the attacks were “absolutely unacceptable”.

There was tension earlier in the evening. Videos circulating on social media and verified by Sky News showed Maccabi Tel Aviv fans tearing down Palestinian flags and chanting anti-Arab slogans before the match.

There are also reports that Israeli fans booed in the stadium during a moment of silence for the victims of the floods in Valencia.

Israel’s military has confirmed it is no longer flying rescue flights to Amsterdam as originally announced by Benjamin Netanyahu, but Israeli carriers have been given permission to operate Saturday evening flights if necessary.

Israel’s new foreign minister, Gideon Saar, is also reportedly on his way to the Dutch city to meet with officials.

This was reported in Benjamin Netanyahu’s office on Friday morning Prime Minister of Israel was briefed on the details of a “very violent incident” in Amsterdam.

IsraelThe Ministry of National Security of Russia called on its citizens in the Dutch city to stay in hotels, the prime minister’s office added.

Israel’s security minister, Itamar Ben-Gvir, said in a post on X: “Fans who went to watch a soccer match faced anti-Semitism and suffered incredible brutality just because of their Jewishness and Israeliness.”

Dutch Prime Minister Dick Schoof said in a post on X that he was “disgusted by the news from Amsterdam.”

He added that he had spoken to Mr Netanyahu about the incident and said the city was now “calm”.

Israeli President Isaac Herzog wrote on X: “This morning we are horrified to see shocking images and videos that since October 7th we hoped never to see again: an anti-Semitic pogrom is now taking place against Maccabi Tel Aviv fans and the citizens of Israel. in the heart of Amsterdam”.

Ursula von der Leyen, president of the European Commission, said she was “outraged by yesterday’s vile attacks” in a post on X.

“I strongly condemn these unacceptable actions,” she added. “Anti-Semitism has absolutely no place in Europe. And we are determined to fight all forms of hatred.”