More than 60 people arrested as Israeli soccer fans and pro-Palestinian protesters clash in Amsterdam

At least 62 people have been arrested and five injured in Amsterdam this morning after clashes between protesters against the war in Gaza and a group of Israeli football fans who came to the Dutch capital for the Maccabi Tel Aviv FC match against Ajax Are. A police spokesperson informed EFE that “verified information that can be shared” is being compiled about what happened before, during and after the match.

At the moment, the Amsterdam police have confirmed that before the start of the football match, when several hundred Maccabi Tel Aviv FC fans gathered in the city’s Dam Square, more than a dozen people have been arrested for various crimes, mainly Disturbing public order.

On the other hand, a demonstration authorized by the City Council against the Israeli offensive against Gaza – which has killed more than 43,000 people in 13 months – was recorded in a square in Amsterdam, located a kilometer away from the Johan Cruijff Arena stadium. Some protesters tried to head towards the stadium but were stopped by riot police, who were attacked with fireworks, according to a brief note from police, indicating that a uniformed officer suffered “hearing damage”. .

Ultimately, about thirty people were arrested for disturbing public order and carrying or using fireworks at that demonstration. An Amsterdam police spokesperson consulted by EFE was not able to confirm the identity, nationality or affiliation of those arrested.

This Friday, the so-called “triangle” of Amsterdam (made up of the mayor’s office, the police and the prosecutor’s office) indicated that Thursday night was “very busy, with several incidents of violence against Maccabi fans in several places”. in the city, and reported that riot police “had to intervene several times, protecting Israeli fans and escorting them to hotels.” “The magnitude of the events, the victims and the arrests are now being investigated,” he said in the note.

“This explosion of violence against Israeli fans is unacceptable and has no justification. There is no excuse for the anti-Semitic behavior shown last night by the rioters, who were actively trying to dissuade and attack Israeli followers, the “Triangle” stressed in its statement, adding that all victims Asked to come forward and report.

Unverified images and videos circulating on social networks overnight show how Maccabi Tel Aviv FC fans are chased and attacked by masked men, with Israeli fans reportedly tearing down Palestinian flags and Slogans were raised against Gaza, in favor of their destruction. Gaza.

The Israeli government has condemned the incident and described it as “very violent”, stating that Israeli fans were “ambushed” in Amsterdam after a Europa League match against Ajax, the team supporting the Dutch side. Had finished 5-0.

The Dutch Prime Minister, Dick Schoof, has expressed his disapproval of what happened last night in Amsterdam and said that he is “horrified by anti-Semitic attacks against Israeli civilians”, adding that in his opinion it is “completely unacceptable”. Shoof, who leads a government where the radical right has a majority, also promised his Israeli counterpart Benjamin Netanyahu that “those responsible will be identified and brought to justice.”

For its part, UEFA strongly condemned the violent incidents that occurred yesterday morning this Friday and announced that it will evaluate possible actions under its rules after examining all official reports. “We are confident that the competent authorities will identify and prosecute all those responsible for such actions,” the sports body said in a statement.