Maccabi Supporter Tel Aviv Causes Clashes, Ajax Issues Official Statement

The clash of Maccabi Tel Aviv supporters after the match against Ajax Amsterdam (Screenshot/Evening Standard).

JAKARTA - The Ajax Amsterdam vs Maccabi Tel Aviv match in the Europa League at the Johan Cruyff Arena, Friday, November 8, 2024, had to be tarnished by clashes between supporters.

The guest team supporters were involved in clashes with pro-Palestinian demonstrators outside the Johan Cruyff Arena before and after the match.

"After a football match with a good atmosphere at our stadium, we thank all those involved for their good cooperation."

"We are horrified to know what is happening in the center of Amsterdam. We strongly condemn this violence," Ajax said in an official statement.

Videos circulating on social media showed street clashes and the Antihuru-hara Police intervened.

Local police said fans had left the stadium without incident. However, previous clashes occurred in the city center.

At a press conference Friday, November 8, 2024, Amsterdam Police Chief Peter Holla said supporters of Maccabi Tel Aviv on Wednesday, November 6, 2024, burned the Palestinian flag and attacked a taxi.

Launching ESPN, the police assessed that the Maccabi Tel Aviv supporters' action was the trigger for clashes during the match against Ajax Amsterdam.

Meanwhile, five people were reportedly hospitalized for the clashes. According to the Amsterdam Police, as many as 20 to 30 others suffered minor injuries.

The local police also reported that there was no evidence of a hostage-taking or missing person after the clash.

Then, the Head of Public Prosecutor, Rene de Beukelaer, said that 62 arrests had been made, with 10 people still being held.

Unlike the police statement, the Mayor of Amsterdam, Femke Halsema, actually condemned the violence, which he said was triggered by pro-Palestinian demonstrators.

"This is a very dark moment for this city. I am very ashamed. Anti-Semitic criminals attack and attack visitors to our city, in a hit-and-run," Halsema said at a news conference on Friday.

The clash made Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu react. He ordered two rescue planes to be delivered to the Netherlands.

It also received support from the Dutch Prime Minister, Dick Schoof.

In a statement on X, he said he had spoken to Netanyahu by telephone and assured him that the perpetrators would be identified and tried.

The Israeli military said it was preparing to immediately deploy rescue missions in Dutch coordination after the football match, in which Ajax beat Maccabi Tel Aviv 5-0.

"The mission will be deployed using cargo aircraft and includes a medical and rescue team," said the IDF (Israel Defense Forces).

Israeli Foreign Minister, Gideon Saar, has asked the Dutch government through the Dutch Foreign Minister, Caspar Veldkamp, to help Israelis arrive safely at the airport.