In brief
Following a soccer match between Ajax and Maccabi Tel Aviv, Amsterdam police detained four individuals in connection with antisemitic violence. The investigation continues after a total of 62 were initially apprehended, reflecting heightened tensions around the ongoing conflict in Gaza.
The Amsterdam police confirmed on Saturday that they detained four individuals in relation to antisemitic attacks aimed at Israeli soccer fans during a match between Ajax, a Dutch team, and Maccabi Tel Aviv, an Israeli team. The authorities had initially taken 62 people into custody over two days of unrest surrounding the match that occurred on Thursday and Friday.Amid rising tensions over the conflict in Gaza, videos surfaced showing Israeli fans engaging in anti-Arab chants while being escorted by police near Amsterdam’s central station. One particularly inflammatory chant questioned the presence of schools in Gaza, emphasizing claims of casualties among children.To maintain order, riot police and mounted units separated pro-Palestinian demonstrators from Israeli supporters at the stadium. While the majority of those detained were released shortly after their arrest, four individuals remained in custody, facing allegations of public violence. Among those held is a 26-year-old man apprehended through CCTV identification, according to police spokeswoman Marijke Stor.“It is important to note that just because individuals are released does not eliminate them as suspects, and further arrests may still occur,” Stor remarked. As of now, prosecutors have yet to file any charges, with the investigation progressing as police continue to gather evidence.
