Photo credit: CBS News
Amsterdam has banned demonstrations for three days after Israeli soccer fans were beaten and injured in the city overnight, which the Dutch authorities condemned as antisemitic.
CNN reports that the police said they had launched a major investigation into multiple incidents following Thursday night’s Europa League soccer game between Israel’s Maccabi Tel Aviv and Dutch side Ajax.
Amsterdam Mayor Femke Halsema said criminals on scooters searched the city for Maccabi supporters in “hit-and-run” attacks. She said, “This is a terrible moment for our city … I am very ashamed at the behaviour that was shown last night” at a news conference.
The authorities said Friday morning that five injured Israeli soccer fans have since been released from the hospital, and 20 to 30 other people were slightly injured. In total, sixty-three individuals were arrested, and ten remain in custody, according to police.
The mayor also announced a ban on “face-covering clothing” and “carrying objects” that could disturb public order.
After the game, hundreds of Maccabi fans “were ambushed and attacked,” the Israeli embassy to the United States said, sharing a video of the violence on social media.
Police have said the atmosphere at the stadium was calm, and fans left without incident after Ajax won the game 5-0. However, during the night, various clashes within the city centre were reported.
Meanwhile, European soccer’s governing body, UEFA, announced Monday that a Europa League match between Maccabi Tel Aviv and Turkish football team Besiktas in late November would be moved to a neutral venue following a decision by Turkish authorities.
