Dutch police have reportedly arrested 62 people in Amsterdam and several others were injured following violent clashes surrounding a football match between Ajax and Maccabi Tel Aviv.
Ajax won 5-0 at the Johan Cruyff Arena, but tensions escalated long before the game, as Israeli supporters gathered in the city center, leading to the first arrests.
The unrest continued during a planned demonstration against the arrival of Maccabi players and after the match when Israelis were targeted.
Social media footage showed Israeli supporters pulling down a Palestinian flag and chanting anti-Arab slogans.
Other videos depicted violent clashes in the streets, including a man being beaten. The Israeli military sent two planes to Amsterdam to evacuate its citizens, deploying cargo aircraft with medical and rescue teams.
Earlier in the day, Maccabi supporters gathered in Dam Square, where police made several arrests for public disorder and criminal activity. Simultaneously, a pro-Palestinian demonstration took place at Anton de Komplein square, about 15 minutes from the stadium.
Local authorities had blocked the protestors’ attempts to march to the arena, resulting in clashes with riot police, who were pelted with fireworks.
Around 30 people were arrested near the stadium, primarily for public disorder and the use of fireworks.
Israel ordered that two planes be sent to the Dutch capital to bring the Israelis home. “The Prime Minister has directed that two rescue planes be sent immediately to assist our citizens,” said a statement from Benjamin Netanyahu’s office.
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