Amsterdam riots: Netanyahu orders rescue aircraft for Maccabi Tel Aviv fans following reported assault

Violent clashes broke out in Amsterdam on Thursday evening before the Europa League match between Ajax and Maccabi Tel Aviv. Reports suggest that a group of pro-Palestine supporters attacked Israeli fans, leaving several injured. According to eyewitnesses, the confrontations began when objects were thrown at the Maccabi fans as they were leaving a nearby pub. The Israeli supporters reportedly defended themselves against the aggression.

With Ajax and Maccabi Tel Aviv set to square off in the Europa League, fans from Israel arrived in the Dutch city on Wednesday. However, there was no smooth functioning for the fans as they were attacked by a base of pro-Palestinian supporters living in the capital. A clip showed what was said to be a Maccabi supporter who was pushed into an Amsterdam canal and forced to say “free Palestine.”

During hours-long riots that ensued, a group of Israelis took a Palestinian flag down from a residential building in central Amsterdam.

“On Rokin [Street], a Palestinian flag was pulled from a house front by currently unknown individuals. On Max Euwe Square, police prevented a confrontation between a group of taxi drivers and a group of visitors who emerged from the adjacent casino,” the police statement said.

At the time of writing, no casualties were reported with several Israeli fans sustaining minor injuries.

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After the attacks on fans, Israel’s Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has ordered rescue planes to help Maccabi Tel Aviv fans get back to the nation on priority. Netanyahu has reportedly spoken to the Israeli embassy in Amsterdam before the decision was taken on Friday (Nov 8) morning.

European football’s governing body – UEFA is yet to speak on the issue with actions soon expected. A similar incident earlier this year took place when Israel were set to play Scotland in the Nations League. Due to fan tension, the fixture was played behind closed doors to avoid any violence.