Following the Amsterdam Violence between Pro-Palestinian and Israeli fans. France has deployed Police en Masse in the France-Israel Soccer Match
Amsterdam Violence got global attention last week during a soccer match between Dutch Ajax and the Israeli Tel Aviv team. Due to this incident, France deployed police en masse for the France-Israel Soccer Match on Thursday.
What happened in the Amsterdam Violence? Here’s the complete story.
Violence broke out on the Amsterdam streets following a soccer match between the Dutch Ajax and the Israeli Tel Aviv team last week. The game was held in the Europa League on November 7, 2024. Match officials believe that anti-Semites and pro-Palestinian protesters were involved in clashes with Israeli fans.
Dozens of people were injured and arrested in the incidents. The city’s government offered its first detailed report on the events — and said it expected the authorities to make more arrests. After the clashes, Maccabi called for its fans to return quickly to Israel.
However, the two teams in the Europa League have typically maintained friendly relations, and the match was not considered high risk. The game went smoothly, with Ajaj winning easily, 5-0.
Amsterdam Violence: What Happened in Pre-Match?
Tension in Amsterdam started rising on Wednesday, the day before the match in the city’s streets with confrontations already high on social media. Around 50 Maccabi supporters, some faces covered were removing the Palestinian flags hanging on city buildings and chanting anti-Arab slogans.
In a video posted on social media, one man was heard saying in Hebrew, “The people of Isreal Live,” while others nearby shouted anti-Palestinian chants using expletives. A number of the Maccabi supporters took off their belts and used them to attack the exterior of a cab, according to the report released on Tuesday.
These incidents led to confrontations with police and other groups in the city, resulting in several arrests for maintaining public disorder.
Amsterdam Violence: Match Day and After-game Violence
Police and hundreds of officers tried to maintain order during the match, escorting Israeli fans and pro-Palestinian demonstrators in a bid to keep the two sides apart.
Videos showed Israeli fans shouting anti-Arab chants on their way to the game as the police escorted them near Amsterdam’s central train station. Their chants included “Let the I.D.F. win” and “Why is there no school in Gaza? There are no children left there.”
After Ajax defeated Maccabi Tel Aviv 5-0, violence intensified as Israeli fans were attacked, while they were returning to their accommodation of stay. Reports indicated that groups chanted anti-Israel slogans and engaged in physical assaults against Maccabi supporters. The Israeli Embassy noted that five individuals were hospitalized, while at least 10 others sustained injuries.
Amsterdam Violence: Arrests and Response
Five Israelis were hospitalized with injuries but were later discharged. The police said 20 to 30 people sustained light injuries. Around 62 individuals were arrested in connection with the violence. Many were released later. The Dutch authorities have initiated investigations into the incidents, which included “hit-and-run” attacks targeting Israeli fans. In response to the violence, Israel’s Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu expressed grave concern.
Amsterdam Violence: Dutch Government Reactions
Authorities have defended the mayor’s decision to allow visiting fans to attend the match. The police responded to the violence that broke out.
Officials say 12,00 police officers were deployed to keep the peace on Wednesday and Thursday. At least 500 officers were still on the streets after midnight on those days.
Dutch Prime Minister Dick Schoof condemned the violence as “utterly intolerable” and assured that those responsible would be pursued. He emphasized that security measures would be heightened at Jewish sites nationwide.
Amsterdam Violence: Israeli Government Reaction
Netanyahu linked the events to historical antisemitic violence and called for urgent action from Dutch authorities to ensure the safety of Israeli citizens. The Israeli military also prepared a rescue mission in collaboration with Dutch officials. He announced plans to send aircraft to repatriate Israeli nationals from Amsterdam.
Amsterdam Violence: Conclusion
The Amsterdam Violence after the Ajax vs. Maccabi Tel Aviv match was highlighted because of the violence in the match. This match hinted at rising political tensions. After the soccer match, many injuries happened, and many protestors were Arrested. Both country officials were focused on citizen safety and security.
It comes as no surprise that France is deploying police en masse for the next match. This should keep the rioters in control and remove politics from sports, keeping the sportsmanship alive.
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