Amsterdam, Netherlands — Following a UEFA Europa League soccer match in Amsterdam, violence erupted leading to the hospitalization of at least five individuals and the detention of 62 others. The incidents targeted fans of the Israeli Maccabi Tel Aviv Football Club after their game against the Dutch team, Ajax Football Club. This has provoked a strong international response and calls for increased protection of Jewish communities in the Netherlands.
Dutch Prime Minister Dick Schoof expressed deep concern over the events that ensued late Thursday night, describing them as “horrifying” and “antisemitic.” Schoof, currently on an official trip in Budapest, announced his early return to the Netherlands to address the crisis, emphasizing the country’s commitment to prosecute those responsible.
Authorities, including the Israeli National Security Headquarters, advised Israeli citizens in Amsterdam to remain indoors and avoid public areas in the immediate aftermath. Meanwhile, Amsterdam’s Mayor Femke Halsema drew parallels between the attacks and historical pogroms against Jews, highlighting the severity of the situation.
In reaction to the violence, Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has been in contact with Dutch officials, advocating for heightened security measures for Jewish residents in the region. Netanyahu’s statement came poignantly ahead of the 86th anniversary of Kristallnacht, a notorious mass pogrom against Jews on European soil.
Following the match, Amsterdam Police heightened security measures around key sites, particularly Jewish institutions, to prevent further incidents. Despite these precautions, Ajax officials, who expressed their horror at the post-match violence, emphasized that the match itself had proceeded in a spirit of good sportsmanship, ending with a score of 5-0 in favor of Ajax.
The aftermath of the match saw a proactive response from law enforcement, with the public prosecutor’s office reporting that four individuals were arrested under suspicion of committing “open violence.” One of these arrests was linked to a special investigation that utilized witness testimony and photographic evidence from the scene of the clashes.
Investigations are ongoing, with officials suggesting that more arrests are likely as they explore the potential organized nature of the night’s violence. Preliminary findings from Dutch law enforcement indicate that the escalation was not spontaneous but could have been influenced by online exchanges and planned actions following the prohibition of a pro-Palestine demonstration near the Johan Cruyff Arena.
This incident has once again illuminated the challenges cities face in managing the intersection of sports, politics, and public safety. While the motivations behind the violence are unmasked, its repercussions reverberate, prompting a reexamination of security protocols during high-profile events in Amsterdam and beyond.