'F*** Arabs': Israeli football fans riot

‘F*** Arabs’: Israeli football fans riot

‘Let the IDF win and f**k Arabs,’ Israeli football fans riot in the Dutch capital Amsterdam, tearing down Palestinian flags. Maccabi Haifa played Ajax last night, losing 5-0. Haifa fans then clashed with locals leading to violence.… pic.twitter.com/yJMGDHDboc

— Middle East Monitor (@MiddleEastMnt) November 8, 2024

Israeli football fans rampaged through Amsterdam last night following a Europa League match between Maccabi Tel Aviv and Ajax, tearing down Palestinian flags from private properties and chanting racist slogans.

According to the BBC, the Israeli fans clashed with bystanders, damaged property and even set a Palestinian flag on fire. Videos circulating on social media show Maccabi supporters vandalising private property, attacking a local taxi driver and confronting the police.

Football journalist, Leyla Hamed, said: “Hooligans from the Israeli club Maccabi Tel Aviv marched through the streets of Amsterdam. They stole Palestinian flags from homes and even set a Palestinian flag on fire.”

Israeli officials, however, framed the attacks as “violence against Israeli citizens. Taking to X, Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu condemned the “very violent incident against Israeli citizens in Amsterdam.” He announced the deployment of rescue planes to assist Israelis in the city and vowed that “the harsh images of the assault on our citizens in Amsterdam will not be overlooked.”

Netanyahu also called on the Dutch government to take “vigorous and swift action against the rioters” to ensure the safety of Israeli citizens.

The Israeli Foreign Ministry announced that Foreign Minister Gideon Sa’ar would be travelling to the Netherlands within hours. During his visit, he is scheduled to meet with Dutch Foreign Minister Caspar Veldkamp and other senior officials. Sa’ar will also meet with Israeli citizens in Amsterdam and members of the Dutch Jewish community.

Het Parool, an Amsterdam-based newspaper, reported yesterday that two arrests were made in Dam Square earlier in the afternoon, though the identities of those detained were not disclosed.

In response, Dutch authorities designated several central areas as “risk zones”, giving police broader authority to conduct stop-and-search operations, reported Dutch News.

Amsterdam Mayor Femke Halsema, speaking at a city council meeting, noted that although there was no legal basis to prevent Maccabi fans from attending the game, Israel’s ongoing war against Gaza had heightened local tensions. To minimise clashes, Halsema banned a nearby pro-Palestinian protest near the Johan Cruijff Arena and advised Ajax fans to avoid confrontation. Police also recommended that fans arrive early for the kickoff due to enhanced security checks.

Watch: PSG fans unfurl banner calling for a ‘Free Palestine’