Amsterdam witnessed violent clashes on Thursday night between Israeli football fans and apparent pro-Palestinian protesters, as tensions erupted around a Europa League match between Maccabi Tel Aviv and Ajax. The violence reportedly began after videos surfaced of Israeli supporters tearing down a Palestinian flag, chanting anti-Arab and pro-genocide slogans, and attacking a taxi a day before the football match. The violence on Thursday night escalated outside the Johan Cruyff Arena, Ajax’s home stadium, as well as in nearby areas. Ajax won the game 5-0, but the events surrounding the match overshadowed the scoreline. According to Amsterdam city council member Jazie Veldhuyzen, who spoke with Al Jazeera, the clashes originated when Israeli fans arrived in the city and targeted Palestinian supporters and homes displaying Palestinian flags. “They began attacking houses of people in Amsterdam with Palestinian flags, so that’s actually where the violence started,” Veldhuyzen told Al Jazeera. Videos shared on social media captured Israeli fans chanting, “Let the IDF win, and f*** the Arabs!”. In another video, fans were heard cheering, “There are no schools in Gaza because there are no children left,” further stoking tensions. Meanwhile, on Thursday ahead…
Anti-Palestinian Israeli Football Fans Spark Violence in Amsterdam
November 9, 2024
