Israeli football fans spark clashes in Amsterdam with anti-Arab chants and tearing of Palestinian flags

Violent clashes broke out in Amsterdam on 7 November before and after Maccabi Tel Aviv’s UEFA Europa League match against Ajax at the Johan Cruyff Arena.

Eyewitnesses and video footage revealed that Maccabi supporters reportedly tore down Palestinian flags, vandalized property, and attacked bystanders, with one video even showing fans setting a Palestinian flag on fire.

Tensions escalated further when Israeli fans allegedly interrupted a moment of silence dedicated to victims of recent floods in Spain, whistling and chanting throughout the tribute.

The violence spilled over into Amsterdam’s main square, where Maccabi fans had held a prior rally, waving Israeli flags and shouting inflammatory slogans.

Videos circulating on social media showed fans vandalizing property, confronting bystanders, and engaging in anti-Arab chants.

One video featured Israeli supporters chanting, “Let the IDF win, and f*** the Arabs!” in reference to the Israeli army’s offensive on Gaza.

Additionally, Israeli “hooligans” were reported chanting derogatory songs about Arabs, including the line, “There are no schools in Gaza because there are no children left.”

Amsterdam city council member Jazie Veldhuyzen alleged that Israeli fans initiated the violence by targeting homes displaying Palestinian flags.

“They began attacking houses of people in Amsterdam with Palestinian flags, so that’s actually where the violence started,” Veldhuyzen told Al Jazeera, adding that locals mobilized in response to the provocations.

The rising tensions prompted Dutch authorities to deploy around 600 police officers. Authorities reported 62 arrests, while five people were briefly hospitalized with injuries.

In reaction to the violence, Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu condemned what he called attacks on Israeli citizens and ordered rescue planes to assist Israeli fans in Amsterdam.

He urged Dutch authorities to take decisive action, labeling the violence “very disturbing.”

Dutch Prime Minister Dick Schoof also condemned the clashes, describing them as “completely unacceptable anti-Semitic attacks” and vowing to prosecute the offenders.

“The perpetrators will be tracked down and prosecuted,” Schoof stated on social media platform X, emphasizing his commitment to a thorough investigation.

Have been following the news from Amsterdam and am horrified by the antisemitic attacks on Israeli citizens. This is completely unacceptable. I am in close contact with all parties involved and have just spoken to @IsraeliPM Netanyahu by phone to stress that the perpetrators will…

— Dick Schoof (@MinPres) November 8, 2024

The Palestine Football Association (PFA) released a statement expressing grave concern, urging FIFA and UEFA to address “anti-Palestinian racism and Islamophobia” among Maccabi Tel Aviv supporters.

They called on the organizations to implement “concrete measures” to prevent further incidents.

UEFA also condemned the violent acts associated with the match and assured the public that they would assist authorities in pursuing those responsible.

Despite reassurances, tensions remain high as Maccabi Tel Aviv prepares for its next Europa League match against Turkish team Besiktas on 28 November, which has been relocated to a neutral venue due to security concerns.

Amid the controversy, UK-based Sky News deleted a tweet that initially highlighted racist chants and provocations by Israeli fans before the Amsterdam match.

The now-deleted tweet alleged that Maccabi Tel Aviv supporters had torn down Palestinian flags and shouted anti-Arab slogans.

The decision to remove the tweet was met with backlash, as critics accused the news outlet of self-censorship.

Asa Winstanley, an investigative journalist, voiced his disapproval, asserting that the deleted footage revealed “the truth about the Israeli football hooligans” involved in the unrest.

Breaking: @SkyNews just deleted this video by their Amsterdam correspondent @AlicePorterTV posted to Twitter, without public explanation. I saved a copy.

The video explains the truth about the Israeli football hooligans who went on a racist rampage in the city this week. Watch: pic.twitter.com/saVATm74FO

— Asa Winstanley (@AsaWinstanley) November 9, 2024