A soccer game between Dutch and Israeli teams in Amsterdam on Thursday night resulted in numerous arrests, with officials in both Israel and the Netherlands describing the incidents as antisemitic attacks on the fans of the Israeli team.
As of Friday, many details regarding the events of Thursday, including the identities and affiliations of those involved in the attacks on fans, remain unclear.
According to Dutch officials, attackers assaulted Israeli fans, with the Israeli Embassy in the Netherlands reporting that some victims were kicked or beaten. The assaults occurred over several hours in various locations, particularly in the hours following the conclusion of the game.
Authorities stated that 62 individuals were arrested in connection with the violence, with most being subsequently released. El Al, an Israeli airline, arranged flights to transport Israeli citizens back home.
The total number of injuries is still undetermined. Five Israelis were hospitalized but later discharged, and police indicated that between 20 to 30 individuals sustained light injuries.
The identities of the attackers remain unknown, and police are investigating the possibility of coordinated assaults.
The clashes arose following a Europa League match between rival football teams, Maccabi Tel Aviv of Israel and Ajax of the Netherlands. Despite the altercations, the game itself proceeded without incident, with Ajax winning 5-0. Maccabi subsequently urged its fans to return to Israel promptly.
Prior to the game, disturbances began on Wednesday night as Maccabi fans started arriving in Amsterdam. Authorities reported that Maccabi supporters removed a Palestinian flag from a building, and a video verified by external sources showed individuals taking down the flag while others shouted anti-Arab slogans. Additionally, police noted that one taxi was destroyed and a Palestinian flag set ablaze, resulting in the arrest of 10 individuals for public order offenses.
Late Wednesday, police intervened to prevent a potential confrontation between several hundred Maccabi fans inside a casino and another group, which included taxi drivers mobilizing in response to social media calls.
On Thursday, clashes ensued at Anton de Komplein, a square near the stadium, where protesters opposing Maccabi Tel Aviv's presence clashed with police, leading to additional arrests. Amsterdam’s mayor had previously prohibited protests from occurring at the stadium.
After the game, the Israeli Embassy reported that hundreds of Maccabi fans were attacked as they returned to their hotels, with mobs chanting anti-Israel slogans and sharing videos of the violent incidents on social media. Israel subsequently advised its citizens in Amsterdam to refrain from displaying Israeli or Jewish symbols, to avoid public spaces, and to return to Israel as soon as possible.