In a landmark ruling, a Dutch court has sentenced five men to prison terms ranging from one to six months for their roles in the violent unrest that erupted in Amsterdam when local football club Ajax hosted Israel’s Maccabi Tel Aviv. The clashes, which transpired in early November 2024, left the city reeling from what officials described as a “toxic cocktail” of hooliganism, antisemitism, and heightened tensions over the ongoing Gaza conflict.
Court Delivers Justice
The district court found the men, aged 19 to 32, guilty of a range of offenses, including assaulting Maccabi Tel Aviv supporters, inciting violence via chat groups, and violently ripping a scarf from a fan. The harshest sentence, a six-month prison term, was handed to a man who kicked one person and punched several others.
The prosecutor said the violence had “little to do with football” but added that “in this case, there was no evidence of … a terrorist intent and the violence was not motivated by antisemitic sentiment”.
The judge emphasized the gravity of the crimes, stating that despite typically warranting community service, the seriousness of the offenses committed in this context necessitated imprisonment. An additional six suspects are slated to appear in court at a later date as the investigation continues.
A City Grapples with Fear
The violence, which resulted in five brief hospitalizations, sent shockwaves through Amsterdam’s Jewish and Muslim communities. Over 60 arrests were made, including 10 individuals residing in Israel. Police have released images of several suspects they aim to identify as the probe into the unrest progresses.
Reports of disturbances surfaced a day before the match, with police stating that Maccabi fans tore down and burned a Palestinian flag, shouted anti-Palestine slurs, and vandalized taxis. This prompted a convergence of taxi drivers on a casino where Israeli fans had gathered, leading police to disperse the drivers and escort supporters.
Clashes Erupt on Match Day
On the day of the game, clashes broke out in Dam Square, where a large group of Maccabi supporters had congregated. Fans were recorded chanting racist, anti-Arab slogans as they made their way to the Johan Cruyff Arena. Police escorted the 2,600 fans to the match and dispersed protesters who defied a ban on a pro-Palestinian demonstration near the stadium.
Following Ajax’s 5-0 victory, numerous assaults occurred, with the city’s mayor, Femke Halsema, characterizing them as violent “hit and run” attacks targeting Israeli supporters. Witness accounts and text message screenshots suggest some assailants had deliberately targeted Jews, demanding to see passports or proof of Israeli citizenship.
International Outcry and Reflections
The clashes ignited an international outcry, with Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu condemning the violence as a “planned antisemitic attack against Israeli citizens.” He drew parallels to the 1938 Kristallnacht pogrom in Nazi Germany, sparking further controversy.
Mayor Halsema, in an emotionally charged press conference the morning after the unrest, declared that the city had been “deeply damaged” by “hateful antisemitic rioters.” She later expressed regret for equating the violence with “memories of pogroms,” acknowledging the term had been weaponized as propaganda in portraying the events.
As Amsterdam grapples with the aftermath of the violence, the court’s decision to imprison the perpetrators sends a clear message that such acts will not be tolerated. The incident has reignited discussions about the complex interplay of sports, politics, and identity, as well as the need for proactive measures to combat hooliganism and hate.
While the verdicts provide a measure of justice, the scars left by the violence serve as a stark reminder of the work that remains in fostering understanding, respect, and peaceful coexistence in an increasingly polarized world. As the city embarks on the path to healing, it is clear that the road ahead will be challenging, requiring a collective commitment to dialogue, empathy, and unity in the face of division.
