Violence erupted in Amsterdam following the UEFA Europa League match between Ajax and Maccabi Tel Aviv on November 7, 2024. Tensions between rival football fans escalated into violent confrontations, leaving several injured and resulting in multiple arrests.

Moroccan-born State Secretary Nora Achahbar resigned in protest, criticizing the Dutch government’s handling of the events, which she claimed unfairly targeted immigrant communities.

On the night before the match, around 11 pm local time, four people were arrested after pro-Palestinian graffiti was sprayed at the Johan Cruyff Arena, where the game was scheduled to take place.

Later that night, a group of Maccabi fans reportedly tore down and burned a Palestinian flag from a building facade. Videos captured some supporters chanting slogans like “Ole” and “F— you Palestine”, while a taxi was vandalized. Following a call on social media, a group of Muslim taxi drivers reportedly headed to the Holland Casino, where approximately 400 Israeli supporters were gathered. Authorities quickly intervened, dispersing the group and escorting the supporters out of the casino.

Authorities reported “relatively small” confrontations continuing near the casino later that night.

”We wil f— the Arabs”

The next day, at around 1 pm CET, Maccabi supporters gathered at Dam Square for a pro-Israel demonstration. Videos posted online captured some fans chanting anti-Arab slogans, such as “Death to the Arabs” and “Let the IDF win. We will f— the Arabs”. Another Palestinian flag was torn down during the demonstration, leading to two arrests.

A pro-Palestinian protest, initially planned outside the Johan Cruyff Arena during the match, was relocated by Amsterdam’s mayor, Femke Halsema, to a remote location. The decision, aimed at preventing further clashes, was met with criticism from activists.

Targeted attacks after the match

After Ajax’s 5-0 victory, messages appeared on social media “confirming that there are groups that are looking for a confrontation with Maccabi supporters”, according to Tuesday’s report. Officials cited screenshots from messaging apps that called for a “Jew hunt”. Groups of masked youths on scooters and e-bikes targeted Maccabi supporters, chasing and assaulting them in what authorities described as “hit-and-run” attacks. At least five people were hospitalized, and 20 to 30 others sustained minor injuries.

Videos circulated showing people being kicked and beaten in the streets. In one clip, a man was heard shouting at a victim lying on the ground, “This is for the children! For the children, motherf—-r. Free Palestine now”. Another video showed men, some wearing Maccabi fan colors, picking up pipes and boards from a construction site before chasing and assaulting a man.

Later that night the Israeli ambassador contacted the mayor saying there was “lots of anger” in Israel over the events in Amsterdam. More footage in social media showed some Maccabi fans at the Tel Aviv Ben Gurion International Airport singing “Why is school out in Gaza? There are no children left there”.

Police shoving pro-Palestinian supporters

Dutch police arrested 62 people, including Dutch and Israeli citizens. Four Dutch men remain in custody for further investigation. Authorities also launched a probe using CCTV and social media footage to identify perpetrators.

Two days later, on November 10, police detained 50 people at a pro-Palestinian rally for ignoring a protest ban. Another 340 individuals were transported by bus to the outskirts of the city. Critics accused the police of using excessive force, particularly against peaceful protesters.

Giordano Gronchi, a witness to these events, shares his experience with The Nordic Times:

– I was present to take footage rather than protest outright, but things turned ugly quickly. Police began harassing protestors—pushing, shoving, and slamming into them. Protestors formed groups, but the police encircled them, tightening their rings with vans. They pulled people out, subdued them, and arrested many.

At one point, I moved to a group near Damrak street, where protestors were chanting and playing drums, entirely non-violent. Police in riot gear funneled them into Nieuwendijk street, announcing the protest was illegal. The street became a blockade, with riot officers sealing both ends. Customers from nearby stores were also trapped in the cramped space.

I was behind the police line filming when an officer shoved me into Nieuwendijk. I explained I wasn’t protesting, but I wasn’t listened to. Inside, I was told everyone in the blockade was under arrest. After showing my ID, I was let out. Later, I heard the police began beating people and arrested most protesters.

Investigations to focus on “antisemitic motives”

Rioters set fire to an empty tram and damaged several cars. A police car was also set alight. Videos posted on social media showed the attackers shouting “Free Palestine” and throwing fireworks and other objects at the tram. Dutch authorities made five more arrests.

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu described the attacks on Maccabi supporters as a “planned antisemitic attack” and compared them to the 1938 Kristallnacht pogrom. Dutch King Willem-Alexander expressed concern about the violence, citing the Netherlands’ history of failing to protect its Jewish community during the Holocaust.

Following the events, Moroccan-born State Secretary Nora Achahbar resigned from the Dutch government in protest against what she described as racist remarks made by her colleagues. Achahbar’s resignation followed a cabinet meeting on November 11, where she openly criticized the language used by members of Prime Minister Dick Schoof’s administration to describe the violence in Amsterdam.

Achahbar expressed dissatisfaction with the government’s narrative, which she felt unfairly targeted immigrant communities, particularly Dutch-Moroccans, while ignoring provocations from Maccabi supporters. Opposition leaders have since voiced support for Achahbar, condemning the government’s handling of the situation and calling for greater accountability and transparency.

Investigations to determine the perpetrators are still underway. Authorities are focusing on identifying the perpetrators through CCTV and social media analysis. The public prosecutor has stated that the investigation will prioritize antisemitic motives behind the attacks. Additionally, a partial state of emergency was declared, allowing police to conduct random stop-and-search operations to prevent further violence.