What Happened in Amsterdam: 10 Points

A Europa League match between Maccabi Tel Aviv and Ajax Amsterdam turned violent as tensions over the Gaza-Israel conflict erupted on the streets of Amsterdam. Hundreds of Maccabi supporters gathered in the city, reportedly chanting inflammatory slogans and tearing down Palestinian flags, prompting clashes with pro-Palestinian demonstrators. Amsterdam’s mayor responded with a temporary ban on demonstrations and heightened police presence, aiming to control the escalating violence. Both Israeli and Dutch officials expressed concern over the incidents, while world leaders condemned the scenes as reminiscent of dark historical moments. Sixty-two arrests were made, and injuries were reported. The events have prompted discussions around security for future matches and have raised questions about the broader societal impacts of Middle Eastern conflicts on European communities.

Here are ten key points outlining what transpired in Amsterdam:

1. Israeli fans of Maccabi Tel Aviv gathered in Amsterdam’s main square, where they chanted slogans and waved Israeli flags. Some reportedly took down Palestinian flags, which angered local pro-Palestinian groups and further intensified the already tense atmosphere in the city.
2. Videos circulated on social media showing some Maccabi Tel Aviv supporters shouting anti-Arab slogans. In one video, fans could be heard singing, “Let the IDF win, and f*** the Arabs!” The inflammatory chants quickly garnered widespread backlash, fuelling unrest.
3. Amsterdam Mayor Femke Halsema condemned what she described as “antisemitic hit-and-run squads” targeting Maccabi supporters and banned demonstrations for three days. Emergency stop-and-search powers were granted to police to help manage the volatile situation in the city centre.
4. Some Amsterdam residents and officials reported that Maccabi fans instigated violence by targeting homes displaying Palestinian flags. A city council member noted that local residents had to mobilise to defend neighbourhoods, describing the clashes as defensive responses to provocations.
5. To prevent further escalation, Amsterdam deployed around 600 police officers across the city. Riot police were positioned to protect Maccabi supporters following the match and were also tasked with deterring potential attacks on pro-Palestinian demonstrators gathered nearby.
6. Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu voiced serious concerns over the clashes, demanding that the Dutch government ensure the safety of Israeli citizens. Netanyahu’s office called for strong action against those involved, drawing comparisons to historical antisemitic attacks in Europe.
7. Pro-Palestinian demonstrators attempted to approach the Johan Cruyff Arena but were intercepted by police. Many demonstrators accused authorities of showing preferential treatment to Maccabi supporters, adding to their frustration over how the violence was managed.
8. Leaders from around the world, including U.S. President Joe Biden and U.N. Secretary-General António Guterres, condemned the violence in Amsterdam. European officials promised accountability, while Dutch leaders expressed horror over the antisemitic nature of some attacks on Maccabi fans.
9. The clashes took place on the anniversary of Kristallnacht, adding to the emotional weight for Amsterdam’s Jewish community. Dutch Prime Minister Dick Schoof and King Willem-Alexander both expressed deep shock, condemning the violence as unacceptable.
10. UEFA, the governing body of European football, announced that Maccabi Tel Aviv’s future Europa League match would be relocated to a neutral venue to prevent further incidents. UEFA condemned the violence and called for the responsible individuals to be held accountable.