An episode of violence has rocked Amsterdam, where ten Maccabi Tel Aviv fans were attacked by an apparently pro-Palestinian crowd. The Israeli Foreign Ministry confirmed the incident, prompting a swift response from Israeli authorities.
Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu urged his Dutch counterpart Dick Schoof to take immediate action against those responsible for the violence. Netanyahu also requested that two planes be sent to Amsterdam to repatriate Israeli citizens involved in the attack. Netanyahu’s office stressed the gravity of the situation, saying he considered the incident “atrocious.” Schoof, for his part, strongly condemned the attacks against Israeli fans, calling them anti-Semitic attacks and unacceptable. He said he was in contact with local authorities and had assured Netanyahu that the perpetrators would be identified and prosecuted. “The capital is silent,” Schoof added.
The violence erupted after the Europa League match between Ajax and Maccabi Tel Aviv, which ended with a landslide 5-0 victory for the home team. Law enforcement officers made a total of 57 arrests during the clashes. Dutch sovereignist leader Geert Wilders described the incident as a pogrom in the streets of the Dutch capital. He denounced the situation, saying: “We have become the Gaza of Europe” and called on the authorities to ensure the safety of Israeli citizens. Wilders used strong tones in his message on X, saying that the authorities will have to answer for their failure to protect Maccabi Tel Aviv fans.
This incident marks a critical point in the relationship between communities and authorities in Europe and raises questions about the safety of international sporting events. The response of the authorities will be crucial to determine whether similar incidents can happen again and how to address the growing tensions related to geopolitical conflicts. It is hoped that the measures taken will ensure a safer environment for all fans in the future.
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