Violence in Amsterdam between Israeli fans and pro-Palestinian groups

Amsterdam suffered a night of violence surrounding the football match between Ajax and Maccabl Tel Aviv, with clashes reported between Israeli fans and pro-Palestinian protesters. 

Five people were taken to hospital, with dozens arrested and 10 held in custody, and politicians weighed in amid condemnations of what have been described as antisemitic attacks. 

There were arrests in the city center before the game started. Throughout the day thousands of Israeli fans had streamed into the city – and gathered in Dam Square to sing and chant. 

A social media video verified by Reuters showed Maccabi fans setting off flares and chanting "Ole, ole, let the IDF win, we will f*** the Arabs," referring to the Israel Defense Forces, while there were also reports of Palestinian flags being torn down. 

Amsterdam Mayor Femke Halsema had already banned a pro-Palestinian demonstration amid concerns about potential tensions, with hundreds gathering on Thursday to remember Kristallnacht, the Nazi pogrom against Jews across Germany on November 9-10, 1938.

Although the streets around the Johan Cruyff stadium were heavily policed, Halsema said Israeli fans were "attacked, abused and pelted with fireworks," with riot police having to escort supporters to their hotels.

Dutch Prime Minister Dick Schoof posted on X that he had "followed the news from Amsterdam with disgust." He discussed the matter with European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen, who posted that she was "outraged by last night's vile attacks." 

German Chancellor Olaf Scholz posted that the reports of violence "are unbearable. We cannot accept this. Jews must be able to feel safe in Europe," but French Interior Minister Bruno Retailleau refused to consider canceling a forthcoming international between France and Israel, insisting "France is not backing down because that would amount to giving up in the face of threats of violence."

While many politicians railed against antisemitism, Amsterdam city council member Jazie Veldhuyzen noted the antagonism of the Maccabi fans. "They began attacking houses of people in Amsterdam with Palestinian flags, so that's actually where the violence started," he told Al Jazeera.

"The mayor says the police did act, but I would say they acted not at the right moments. They acted only to protect the Maccabi hooligans when Amsterdammers stood up to defend their own people and defend their own houses. And this is when the police showed up to protect the Maccabi fans when they ran away after attacking people."