The Hague, Netherlands – An Amsterdam District Court has delivered sentences to five men, imposing prison terms of up to six months for their roles in the violence that unfolded during a UEFA Europa League football match between Ajax and Maccabi Tel Aviv from Israel back in November.

The clashes sparked significant international concern, amid accusations of antisemitism. The tumult resulted in five individuals requiring hospitalization, with an additional twenty suffering minor injuries, leading to the detention of over sixty people.

In Tuesday’s ruling, one individual was sentenced to six months in jail, while another received two and a half months. Two others were handed one-month sentences, and a fifth received a penalty of 100 hours of community service.

Tensions flared between pro-Palestinian protesters and Israeli soccer fans surrounding the match, with some acts of aggression being labeled antisemitic. The situation drew a response from Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, who expressed willingness to facilitate the evacuation of Maccabi supporters. This outbreak of violence tarnished Amsterdam’s image as a city known for its tolerance and a refuge for persecuted communities, particularly Jews.

According to the prosecution, the unrest appeared to stem from robust pro-Palestinian sentiments, alongside frustrations regarding the Gaza situation, which fueled hostility towards present Israelis. This insight was provided in a statement following two weeks of court proceedings.

The five convicted defendants, all Dutch nationals aged between 19 and 32, faced charges including public violence, theft, and assault stemming from the events surrounding the match. The contest, held on November 8, proceeded after the Netherlands’ counterterrorism agency assessed that there was no imminent threat to Israeli fans, categorizing it as a low-risk event. Nonetheless, the city officials prohibited a pro-Palestinian protest near the Johan Cruyff Arena.

Prior to the match, authorities recorded several incidents, including reports of Israeli supporters removing a Palestinian flag from a building in Amsterdam and an attack on a taxi.

Further legal proceedings are slated for six additional suspects, among which are three minors, whose cases will be handled privately in accordance with Dutch law. The police investigation into the violent incidents continues, with authorities releasing images of individuals they hope to identify.