New Details Emerge About Violent Incident Against Israeli Soccer Fans
A violent incident against Maccabi Tel Aviv supporters in Amsterdam during a match against Ajax in November 2023 has sparked global controversy. The attacks, which led to dozens of arrests and hospitalizations, were fueled by social media posts and a lack of official communication, according to two recent reports. The Amsterdam city tram company’s loss of critical footage has complicated investigations, though several individuals have been charged and convicted.
The incident, which took place during the early hours of November 8, was exacerbated by the absence of clear communication from local authorities. The Rotterdam-based Institute for Safety and Crisis Management, tasked with investigating the response to the violence, noted that the lack of official information allowed rumors and tensions to spread rapidly on social media. The Justice Ministry’s inspectorate also stated that the police were unprepared for the spontaneous, flash attacks that occurred across the city.
Despite these challenges, authorities have taken some measures to address the situation. The public prosecution service dropped investigations into some Maccabi supporters due to the loss of evidence, but over a dozen individuals have already been charged. The Justice Ministry’s report emphasized that while communication improvements could help mitigate such events, the rapid spread of calls and images remains a significant challenge for authorities.
Pro-Palestinian demonstrators were banned from gathering near the stadium before the match, and video footage showed Israeli fans chanting anti-Arab slogans on their way to the game. Afterward, youths on scooters and on foot attacked Israeli fans, quickly fleeing to evade police. Danny Danon, the Israeli ambassador to the United Nations, described the incident as a ‘pogrom’ and called for a strong response against the perpetrators.