Netanyahu: Amsterdam incident marks ‘Dangerous Development’

Israeli football supporters and Dutch youth clash near Amsterdam Central station, in Amsterdam, Netherlands, November 8, 2024. X/IANNET / X/IANNET VIA REUTERS

Dutch authorities arrested 62 people following disturbances at a soccer match between Ajax and Maccabi Tel Aviv in Amsterdam, with five people reportedly injured. The incident has sparked diplomatic discussions between Israeli and Dutch leadership.

Tensions flared in Amsterdam after videos surfaced on social media showing Maccabi fans allegedly rip down Palestinian flags, attack civilians in Amsterdam. The footage also captured Israeli supporters in the Amsterdam metro chanting anti-Arab and anti-Muslim slogans and voicing support for Israel’s military campaign in Gaza.

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu expressed concern in a conversation with his Dutch counterpart, characterising the events as “dangerous and anti-Semitic.”

Netanyahu said Israel is reviewing security measures for future matches involving Israeli teams in European competitions.

Dutch police reported incidents of vandalism in Amsterdam connected to the match. Reports indicate that some fans engaged in disruptive behaviour, including what witnesses described as discriminatory chants.

In response to the situation, Israeli military authorities have temporarily restricted service members from traveling to the Netherlands. Israeli officials arranged transportation to help approximately 2,700 Maccabi Tel Aviv supporters return home.

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