Dozens of arrests were made in Amsterdam following violent incidents that erupted during a soccer match between the Dutch club Ajax and the Israeli team Maccabi Tel Aviv. The clashes prompted accusations of antisemitism from Israeli officials, marking a concerning escalation in tensions related to the sport.
On Friday, Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu’s office announced that two planes would be dispatched to the Netherlands to assist Israeli citizens affected by the violence. National Security Minister Itamar Ben-Gvir indicated that Israeli officials are collaborating closely with Dutch authorities to investigate the situation, firmly stating that the attacks were motivated by antisemitism.
According to Israel’s Foreign Ministry, at least ten Israeli citizens sustained injuries during the unrest, with reports of two individuals still unaccounted for. Meanwhile, the Dutch police confirmed that they had made 57 arrests in connection to the violence that unfolded at or near the Johan Cruyff Arena, where the match took place. Though the police did not specifically relate the unrest to antisemitism or identify targeted individuals, tensions were palpable among gathered fans.
The chaotic scenes began in the city center, where a large group of Maccabi supporters congregated. Initially tense, the crowd saw ten arrests before the game, primarily related to public order disturbances. Increased unrest occurred when protestors clashed with military police at Anton de Komplein, where local authorities had shifted the protest site against Maccabi's arrival.
The Dutch police reported approximately thirty additional arrests during these confrontations, with charges involving disruption of public order and setting off fireworks directed at law enforcement officers. Minister Ben-Gvir condemned the violence faced by fans attending the match, describing their experiences as attacks rooted in antisemitism and characterized by appalling cruelty.
In response to the incidents, Israel’s newly appointed Foreign Minister Gideon Saar stated that his ministry is actively engaged with Dutch officials to ensure the safety and assistance of affected Israeli citizens. As the situation continues to develop, calls for enhanced security protocols and investigations are increasingly frequent from both foreign and local authorities.
