Multiple arrests made after 'antisemitic' attacks on Israeli football fans in Amsterdam
Dutch officials condemned what they called an antisemitic attacks on Maccabi Tel Aviv football fans in Amsterdam, as ITV News' Ian Woods reports
More than 60 people have been arrested after rioters “actively sought out Israeli supporters to attack and assault them” after a football match, Amsterdam authorities said on Friday.
In a post on X, Amsterdam police said they have launched a "major investigation into multiple violent incidents", adding that five people were taken to hospital with injuries.
The violence broke out after the Europa League match between Ajax and Maccabi Tel Aviv on Thursday night, and has been condemned by Dutch and Israeli leaders as antisemitic.
Peter Holla, the city’s acting police chief, told a news conference the fans were “willfully attacked.” He said people on scooters staged “hit-and-run” attacks, making it difficult for police to track them down.
Authorities said extra police would patrol the city over the next few days and security at Jewish institutions would be increased.
Friction had been growing in the days before the match.
A planned pro-Palestinian demonstration near the football stadium had already been banned by Amsterdam's Mayor, who had feared there would be clashes between protesters and supporters of the Israeli football club.
Dutch broadcaster NOS also reported a Palestinian flag was ripped off a building in the city centre on Wednesday.
Large crowds of supporters of the Israeli team are reported to have chanted anti-Arab slogans ahead of the game. Maccabi fans are understood to have used the same chant during recent matches in Israel.
Earlier, Benjamin Netanyahu's office said they were sending two "rescue" planes to bring Israelis home, however IDF International Spokesperson Nadav Shoshani has now confirmed this will not happen.
"Prime Minister Netanyahu said that he views with utmost gravity the planned antisemitic attack against Israeli citizens and requested that security be increased for the Dutch Jewish community," the Prime Minister's office wrote on X.
He demanded that the Dutch government take “vigorous and swift action” against those involved.
Dutch Prime Minister Dick Schoof said on X that he followed reports of the violence “with horror.”
“This is completely unacceptable. I am in close contact with all parties involved and have just spoken to (Israeli Prime Minister) Netanyahu by phone to stress that the perpetrators will be identified and prosecuted.
"The situation in Amsterdam is now calm once more," Schoof wrote.
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