A fight broke out in Amsterdam as supporters of Israeli club Maccabi Tel-Aviv turned up for the Europa League match on Thursday evening. It is still unclear how the events unfolded. The Israeli government sent planes to repatriate its nationals.
The fights started during the night in the center of Amsterdam, after the football match between Ajax and Maccabi Tel-Aviv and the Dutch club won (5-0).
Videos posted on social media showed crowds running in the streets, fights and one man being beaten. Police, who sent a large number of vehicles and officers to the scene, said they arrested 62 people in connection with the clashes and said at least five people were injured.
>> Stories crossed in the Forum live from Amsterdam and Tel Aviv:
Overflows in Amsterdam after the football match between Ajax and Tel Aviv / Forum / 4 min. / yesterday at 6:00 p.m.
Evacuation of Israeli fans
Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, who condemned a “premeditated anti-Semitic attack”, ordered two planes to be sent to the Dutch capital to bring back supporters of Maccabi Tel Aviv. The leader considers ”the terrible incident with the greatest seriousness”, according to his services.
The first plane intended to repatriate Israeli citizens “has just arrived in Tel Aviv,” said a spokesman for the airport authorities on Friday evening.
In addition to regular flights, four special evacuation flights are planned this Friday and two more on Saturday, said a spokesman for the El Al airline.
Dutch Prime Minister Dick Schoof condemned the “terrible anti-Semitic attack”. “I am deeply ashamed that this could happen to the Netherlands in 2024,” he said in a brief press statement in Budapest on the sidelines of a European summit. “We will not accept it (…) We will prosecute the perpetrators,” he said.
Amsterdam Mayor Femke Halsema, who described the violence as an “explosion of anti-Semitism not seen for a long time”, announced increased security measures as well as a temporary ban on demonstrations in the capital.
Palestinian flags destroyed
The facts still need to be clarified, as well as the responsibility for them. The police also reported several incidents, including the Palestinian flag being torn from a face “by unknown persons”.
In the afternoon, around a hundred Israeli supporters gathered on Dam Square – surrounded by a large police force – before heading to the Johan Cruyff stadium, south-west of the Dutch capital.
Founded under a different name in 1906, Maccabi Tel Aviv is Israel’s oldest and most successful club. The images circulated on social networks on Friday and presented to have been filmed in Amsterdam, the origin of which AFP has not yet been able to verify, show what appear to be many of the club’s fans wearing anti-Palestinian slogans and chanting in Hebrew “Finish the Arabs! or even “Let the IDF win to finish the Arabs”.
Other images show a crowd of men, Palestinian flags on their shoulders, shouting “Free Palestine”. A rally condemning the arrival of the Israeli club was originally planned near the stadium, but Amsterdam’s town hall moved a little further into the neighborhood for security reasons.
>> Listen to the interview in the Forum with Kévin Veyssière, sports geopolitics analyst and founder of geopolitics fc media. :
Clashes in Amsterdam after the Ajax-Tel Aviv match: Interview with Kévin Veyssière / Forum / 4 min. / yesterday at 6:00 p.m.
>> Read also our monitoring of the war in the Middle East: At least 40 dead on Wednesday in Israeli strikes in eastern Lebanon
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Time.news Interview: Understanding the Violence in Amsterdam Amidst the Maccabi Tel-Aviv Match
Editor: Good afternoon and welcome to Time.news. I’m joined today by Dr. Sarah Green, an expert in international relations and conflict resolution, to discuss the recent violent clashes in Amsterdam following the Europa League match between Ajax and Maccabi Tel-Aviv. Thank you for joining us, Dr. Green.
Dr. Green: Thank you for having me. It’s a pleasure to be here.
Editor: Let’s dive right in. Reports indicate that violent clashes broke out in Amsterdam, leading to dozens of arrests and injuries. Can you help us understand what might have sparked this unrest, especially in relation to sporting events like football matches?
Dr. Green: Absolutely. Sports, particularly football, often serve as a microcosm of broader societal tensions. In this case, the match between Ajax and Maccabi Tel Aviv may have fueled existing sentiments, given the historical and political context surrounding Israel and Palestine. Both fervent national pride and historical grievances can turn a sporting event into a flashpoint for violence.
Editor: It sounds like the background of the conflict plays a significant role. The Dutch Prime Minister condemned the incidents as a “terrible anti-Semitic attack.” How do you interpret his remarks in the context of the violence?
Dr. Green: His remarks underscore a critical aspect of the situation: the intersection of sports, identity, and political conflict. By framing it as an anti-Semitic attack, he highlights the need to address the prejudices that not only emerge during such events but are present in society at large. It’s crucial to acknowledge that such expressions of hatred can occur within sports environments, affecting fans’ safety and well-being.
Editor: Following the altercations, the Israeli government dispatched planes to repatriate its citizens. This raises concerns about the safety of individuals abroad. In your view, how should countries respond to ensure the safety of their nationals during overseas sports events?
Dr. Green: Governments should take a multi-faceted approach to ensure the safety of their citizens. This includes working closely with local authorities for crowd control and security, as well as developing emergency evacuation plans for high-risk events. It’s also essential for countries to promote dialogue and understanding at the local level, fostering an environment where sports can be celebrated without violence.
Editor: Interesting point, especially in terms of dialogue. Amsterdam’s Mayor has called for increased security measures and a temporary ban on demonstrations following these events. Do you think such measures are effective in addressing the underlying issues of violence and discrimination?
Dr. Green: Increased security is undoubtedly necessary to protect individuals, but it can also be a band-aid solution if not paired with broader initiatives. Long-term strategies should focus on education, community engagement, and promoting tolerance. Only by addressing the root causes of anti-Semitism and related prejudices can we hope to see lasting change and prevent future violence.
Editor: We’ve seen troubling images on social media from the events, including the tearing down of Palestinian flags. What does this signify in the context of the ongoing Israeli-Palestinian conflict?
Dr. Green: The destruction of symbols, such as flags, often signifies an attempt to silence opposing narratives. This act can escalate tensions and polarize communities. Within the framework of the Israeli-Palestinian conflict, it’s a manifestation of deep-seated hostilities that still need constructive dialogue to address. It’s essential to find avenues for peaceful coexistence rather than letting violence dictate the terms of engagement.
Editor: Dr. Green, your insights have highlighted some critical aspects of this unfolding situation. As we wrap up, what message would you like to convey to our audience regarding the intersection of sports and socio-political issues?
Dr. Green: I would encourage our audience to view sports as both a potential unifier and a divider. While they can bring people together across cultures and backgrounds, they are also arenas where underlying tensions can erupt. It’s vital for fans, clubs, and governments to promote respect and understanding, ensuring that the beautiful game remains just that: beautiful.
Editor: Thank you, Dr. Green, for sharing your expertise with us today. It’s a complex issue that requires more attention and thoughtful dialogue.
Dr. Green: Thank you for having me. It’s imperative that we continue to discuss these matters to create a better understanding among communities.
Editor: And thank you to our viewers for tuning in. We’ll continue to monitor this situation closely and keep you informed. Stay safe and informed.