• Maccabi Tel Aviv fans sparked conflict in Amsterdam, engaging in racist chants and destroying Palestinian flags.
• Despite the provocations, no arrests were initially made. The unrest escalated as Israeli fans reportedly attacked an Arab taxi driver and Muslim homes.
Israeli Maccabi Tel Aviv fans in Amsterdam clashed with Dutch youth on Thursday, amid provocations including racist anti-Arab chants, destruction of Palestinian flags, and a refusal to observe a minute’s silence for victims of the Spanish floods.
The trouble began as Israeli fans, in the city for a UEFA Europa League match against Ajax, stirred unrest across Amsterdam, reportedly removing Palestinian flags from homes and engaging confrontationally with locals.
On Wednesday, a group of Israeli fans gathered at Dam Square, where they were filmed antagonising bystanders, shouting phrases like, “F**k you, Palestine.” Ahead of Thursday’s match at Johan Cruyff Arena, fans were again recorded chanting, “Let the IDF [Israeli army] f**k the Arabs,” as they approached the stadium. Despite the provocations, no arrests were initially reported among the fans.
These provocations are abhorrent, especially as these sexual abuse of Palestinians continues amidst the ongoing genocide.
In addition, an Arab taxi driver was reportedly assaulted by individuals suspected to be among the Israeli fans. Though police said they couldn’t determine the nationality of the attackers, the incident heightened local tension. Israeli “ultras” have a known history of anti-Palestinian actions, with Maccabi Tel Aviv fans having previously attacked a man in Athens earlier this year for carrying a Palestinian flag. Moreover, Muslim homes were reportedly attacked.
Amsterdam Mayor Femke Halsema also relocated a pro-Palestinian demonstration away from the stadium, in response to the brewing tensions. Clashes erupted before and after the game, with video footage showing confrontations and police intervention. According to reports, five people were hospitalised, and 62 arrests were made following the incidents.
In response, Dutch Prime Minister Dick Schoof condemned the violence, describing it as “unacceptable antisemitic attacks,” though he didn’t address the provocations by the Israeli fans against Dutch citizens. Geert Wilders, the far-right Dutch politician, also called the riots a “pogrom” and a “Jewish hunt,” failing to mention the instigating behaviour.
