After Ajax's 5-0 win over Maccabi Tel Aviv, there were clashes outside the stadium between the Israeli team's supporters and several pro-Gaza demonstrators.

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At least 62 arrested in Amsterdam following clashes between Israeli fans and anti-war protesters

It was a busy Friday morning in the Dutch capital after the Europa League match between Ajax and Maccabi Tel Aviv ended in a 5-0 win for the home side. However, the result on the pitch was overshadowed by rioting in the city, with at least 62 people arrested and five injured following a night of clashes between supporters of the Israeli team and anti-war protesters in Gaza.

The incidents began hours before the match, when hundreds of Maccabi Tel Aviv fans in Amsterdam's iconic Dam Square were caught up in an increasingly tense atmosphere. Dutch police, already deployed in anticipation of possible disturbances, reported that several individuals began to disturb public order, leading to the first arrests of the day.

Simultaneously, a kilometre away from the Johan Cruijff Arena, the municipality had authorised a peaceful demonstration against the war in Gaza, which attracted numerous demonstrators with Palestinian flags. Some of those present tried to march towards the stadium, but were blocked by police, leading to clashes with security forces. In the midst of the clash, protesters threw fireworks at the police, causing hearing damage to one of the officers.

The confrontation escalated, and videos and photos of violent scenes began to circulate on social media, although the veracity of the images has not been officially confirmed. Some of the videos show alleged Maccabi fans tearing up Palestinian flags or being chased by masked men. Police, who have so far kept details confidential, said the situation would be fully explained at a press conference later today.

Reactions were swift, and the Israeli government, after describing the situation as ‘extremely violent,’ took the unusual decision to send two planes to Amsterdam to facilitate the return of its citizens. According to the Israeli government, the Israeli fans were ‘ambushed’ by demonstrators in a ‘wave of anti-Semitic violence’.

For his part, Dutch Prime Minister Dick Schoof expressed his dismay at what had happened and strongly condemned the ‘anti-Semitic and unacceptable’ attacks on Israeli citizens on Dutch soil. Schoof, who heads a radical right-wing majority government, promised his Israeli counterpart, Benjamin Netanyahu, that Dutch authorities are working to identify those responsible for the riots and bring them to justice.

In total, 62 people were arrested for various offences, including disorderly conduct and improper use of fireworks, which endangered the safety of those present. Dutch officers, some of whom were flown in especially from other cities, reported that the operation was active throughout the night and that evidence is still being gathered to determine the extent of the disturbances.

In the meantime, Amsterdam police remain on alert, and security has been tightened around the stadium and in central areas, as it is feared that the incident could lead to further confrontations in the coming days.