AMSTERDAM — Tensions escalated outside the Johan Cruyff Arena in Amsterdam on Thursday evening as supporters of Maccabi Tel Aviv engaged in confrontations with demonstrators believed to be pro-Palestinian, occurring before and after a Europa League soccer match between the two teams, according to various media outlets and local authorities.
The unrest was reported even after Amsterdam’s Mayor Femke Halsema had issued a ban on a pro-Palestinian protest, which was intended to prevent potential violence between the rival groups. Despite these precautions, the anticipated disturbances took place as fears of conflict were realized.
Although the specific details surrounding the events remain somewhat unclear, Israeli officials noted that Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu had reached out to his Dutch counterpart to discuss the situation and express concerns following the clashes. Additionally, Israel’s ambassador to the United Nations, Danny Danon, expressed condemnation of the violence via a post on the social media platform X.
At the time, there were no confirmed reports regarding arrests or injuries linked to the incident that unfolded in the vicinity of Ajax’s home ground. On the field, Ajax secured a decisive victory in the Europa League match with a score of 5-0, having established a commanding lead of 3-0 by halftime.