ISRAELI football fans attacked houses with Palestinian flags before violence erupted in Amsterdam on Thursday night, according to reports.
We told how dozens of arrests had been made as an unknown number of fans were injured on Thursday night following a game between Maccabi Tel Aviv and Ajax.
According to broadcaster Al Jazeera, the clashes came as a result of tension which had built up over the previous few days.
The broadcaster’s correspondent Step Vaessen said: “Hundreds of supporters of Maccabi Tel Aviv came to Amsterdam, held a very vocal rally in the main square before the incident, waving Israeli flags, and also took down a Palestinian flag.”
Police had said they were being particularly vigilant ahead of the match.
City councilman Jazie Veldhuyzen said: “They [Israeli fans] began attacking houses of people in Amsterdam with Palestinian flags, so that’s actually where the violence started.
During tonight’s match between Ajax and Maccabi Tel Aviv, the Israeli supporters refused to hold a minute of silence for Valencia flood victims. They even started illegal fireworks. This comes after Spain cancelled arms deal with Israeli company worth billions. pic.twitter.com/paZGAPO7uB
— Leyla Hamed (@leylahamed) November 7, 2024
“As a reaction, Amsterdammers mobilised themselves and countered the attacks that started on Wednesday by the Maccabi hooligans.”
A statement issued by the office of Israeli prime minister Benjamin Netanyahu said he “views the horrifying incident with utmost gravity and demands the Dutch government and security forces take vigorous and swift action against the rioters, and ensure the safety of our citizens”.
Israel has sent emergency planes to the city to allow fans to return home safely.
Tensions were further exacerbated during the match when footage was shared on social media showing Maccabi Tel Aviv supporters refusing to take part in a minute of silence for Valencia flood victims.
It comes after Spain cancelled a contract to buy ammunition from an Israeli firm for the country’s militarised police.
