Football Violence in Amsterdam/Israeli Fans Attacked/Anti-Semitic Attacks/European League/Dutch Security/Maccabi Tel Aviv/Ajax/Netanyahu/Newslooks/Amsterdam/J. Mansour/Morning News/In Aja Violent clashes broke out in Amsterdam after a Europa League match between Manchester United and Maccabi Tel Aviv, resulting in 62 people being hospitalized and 62 people arrested. The violence reportedly targeted Israeli fans and authorities are investigating the incidents as anti-Semitic attacks. Dutch and Israeli leaders condemned the violence and pledged to increase security for Jewish communities in the region.
In this image taken from video, pro-Palestinian supporters hold Palestinian flags as they march near the Ajax Stadium in Amsterdam, Netherlands, Thursday, March 7, 2024. (AP Photo InterVision)
“Amsterdam football violence: a quick look at the key details”
- Post-match violence: A targeted attack on Israeli fans following a Europa League match in Amsterdam resulted in 62 injuries and 62 arrests.
- Anti-Semitic motives suspected: Authorities viewed the incidents as acts of anti-Semitism, and officials condemned the attacks.
- high profile response: Dutch and Israeli leaders condemned the violence, and Israel’s foreign minister made an urgent diplomatic visit.
- Improve security: Amsterdam police are stepping up patrols around Jewish institutions and increasing security across the city.
- Tensions affect football matches: UEFA has moved Maccabi Tel Aviv’s next match elsewhere due to security concerns, reflecting growing security concerns for the Israeli team.
Clashes against Israeli football fans in Amsterdam; 5 injured, 62 arrested
deep eyes
Five Israeli fans were taken to hospital and 62 people were detained following a night of violence in Amsterdam ahead of a Europa League match between Ajax and Maccabi Tel Aviv. Amsterdam police reported that the attackers carried out planned attacks against Israeli fans, and authorities were investigating whether the incidents were anti-Semitic attacks. Video showed some Israeli fans chanting anti-Arab slogans, but the cause of the violence was unclear. Dutch and Israeli leaders were quick to condemn the attacks and pledged to seek justice and increase security.
At a press conference on Friday, Amsterdam Mayor Femke Halsema confirmed that Dutch counter-terrorism officers had detected no specific threats against Israeli fans ahead of the game. However, Amsterdam’s acting police chief Peter Holla noted that the violence appeared to be “deliberately targeted” at Maccabi fans. Amsterdam police took a coordinated approach and launched a large-scale investigation into the events that night.
According to a joint statement from the city government, police and the prosecutor’s office said “multiple incidents of violence against Maccabi fans occurred” on Thursday night. The statement clarified that a group of thugs deliberately searched for Israeli fans in various locations in Amsterdam, forcing the police to intervene and escort the fans to safety.
“This type of violence against supporters of Israel is unacceptable and cannot be justified in any way. Last night’s anti-Semitic behavior is inexcusable,” said Amsterdam city officials, who condemned the violence and pledged to Investigate rigorously.
In preparation for the match, authorities had banned a planned pro-Palestinian demonstration near the stadium to prevent potential clashes. Tensions also escalated earlier in the day, with riot police intervening. Block pro-Palestinian supporters March to the Johan Cruyff Stadium. There was also an incident in which a Palestinian flag was forcibly removed from a building in the city center.
Israel’s response to violence has been swiftinitially arranged for two planes to pick up Israeli citizens from Amsterdam. Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu’s Office Subsequently, Netanyahu announced plans to support the safe return of all Israelis involved in the incident. Netanyahu’s office said “the brutal images of attacks on our citizens in Amsterdam will not go unnoticed” and called on Dutch authorities to take “strong and swift action” against the perpetrators. Netanyahu also urged increased security measures for Jewish communities across the Netherlands.
Dutch Prime Minister Dick Schauw responded on social media, describing the attack as “Anti-Semitic attacks against Israelis are completely unacceptable.” Shouf confirmed that he had spoken to Netanyahu and assured him that the perpetrators would be hunted down and prosecuted. As of Friday morning, calm had returned to Amsterdam, with more police patrolling the city and monitoring Jewish institutions in case of further incidents.
The violence highlights escalating security concerns for Israeli football teams Playing abroad, particularly in Europe, tensions from the conflict in the Middle East spilled over into international sporting events. These concerns recently led the Belgian Football Federation to move October’s men’s Nations League match against Israel to Hungary, where it will be played behind closed doors. Following the incident in Amsterdam, European football’s governing body UEFA announced earlier this week that Maccabi Tel Aviv’s next Europa League match, scheduled to take on Besiktas in Istanbul on September 2, will be moved to Conducted at a neutral venue.
Israeli football team faces heightened security risksthe upcoming games will require heightened vigilance. The Israeli national team is also scheduled to play in the Nations League against France in Paris next Thursday, and safety will undoubtedly be a top priority.
