New Delhi: It’s not often that after a dominant performance from any club is overshadowed by off-field but that is exactly what happened last night. After a highly anticipated clash between Dutch side Ajax and Israeli club Maccabi Tel-Aviv ended in favour of the Dutchmen, clashes erupted between the supporters of the two clubs. The clashes were the talk of the town, drawing eyes away from the UEFA Europa League clash. The confrontations occurred outside the Johan Cruyff Arena, Ajax’s home stadium, and spilled into other parts of the city.
These violent exchanges, which had intensified over the previous days, took place despite a city ban on public demonstrations. Amsterdam’s Mayor Femke Halsema had imposed the ban to avoid confrontations, reflecting concerns about potential violence amid high tensions around the Israeli club’s visit. However, reports from local authorities indicate that the clashes persisted despite significant police presence in anticipation of politically charged events.
What led to Israeli football fans being attacked?
BREAKING NEW:
Israel fan were badly beaten last night in Amsterdam after they started attacking bars and passers-by with Palestinian signs. pic.twitter.com/KFtFhxHJwt
— FREEDOM INTL⛓️💥⛓️💥⛓️💥⛓️💥 (@myweaponmyvoice) November 8, 2024
According to reports from Al Jazeera, the clashes were an outcome of tensions being built up over the past few days. The report states clashes broke out after Maccabi Tel Aviv fans arrived in Amsterdam, participating in a vocal rally and displaying Israeli flags prominently in the city’s main square. Tensions escalated when some Israeli supporters tore down a Palestinian flag from a building which reportedly prompted pro-Palestinian demonstrators to mobilize and attempt to reach the stadium, leading to confrontations.
Amsterdam council member Jazie Veldhuyzen suggested that Maccabi fans instigated the violence by “attacking houses displaying Palestinian flags,” leading local residents to react in defense of their properties and flags. Mayor Halsema’s ban on pro-Palestinian demonstrations, implemented to prevent such incidents, proved ineffective as altercations continued both near the stadium and in the city center.
Violent clashes led to multiple arrests in Amsterdam
The clashes turned violent and Amsterdam Police had to intervene to break the mob apart. As clashes escalated, Amsterdam police deployed approximately 600 officers to control the unrest. Despite these measures, 62 individuals were arrested on Thursday night in connection with the disturbances. Police statements on Friday clarified that while Maccabi fans were initially able to leave the stadium peacefully, violent exchanges erupted in various parts of the city as groups of pro-Palestinian supporters clashed with them.
Dutch Prime Minister Dick Schoof expressed deep concern over the incident, calling the anti-Semitic attacks on Israeli fans “completely unacceptable.” He confirmed ongoing efforts to identify and prosecute the perpetrators involved in Thursday’s unrest, describing the violence as a threat to public order and safety. While the actual number hasn’t yet been disclosed, a number of fans are reported to have suffered injuries as a result of these clashes.
Off-field controversy mars on-field brilliance
In the midst of these clashes and political controversies, Ajax’s dominant win over Maccabi Tel-Aviv was overshadowed. The Dutch club outplayed their Israeli counterparts and ramped up to a 3-0 lead just at half time. Goals from Bertrand Traore, Kenneth Taylor, and Mika Godts handed the hosts a commanding lead heading into the second half, which had all but sealed the fate of the game.
The second half saw Ajax increase their advantage as two goals in eight minutes from Brian Brobbey and Kian Fitz-Jim saw them take an unassailable 5-0 lead which the put the game beyond any doubt. This victory sees Ajax sit second in the UEFA Europa League standings after Matchday four and the Eredivisie after in a great spot to qualify for the knockouts. The same can’t be said for Maccabi Tel-Aviv as they’re languishing down at the bottom of the table in 35th positions after losing all four of their games till now.
Things turned violent after a UEFA Europa League clash between Ajax and Maccabi Tel Aviv when supporters of the Israeli club were attacked following the match. Dive in to find out why these attacks took place! Football Sports News: Latest Cricket News, Cricket Live Score, Sports Breaking News from Sports Today
