Scoop said he watched the situation in horror and spoke with Prime Minister Netanyahu, emphasizing that “we will track down and prosecute the perpetrators.”
Ahead of the game, there were already arrests and disturbances in Dam Square involving Maccabi fans and pro-Palestinian protesters, and there were reports that supporters set off fireworks and tore down Palestinian flags in nearby streets.
But after the game ended, my anxiety grew. Police said it was unclear who took part in the riot, and local media reported that those involved were wearing dark clothing.
Several videos were circulated on social media, including one showing a man being kicked to the ground and being beaten, and another showing someone being run over. In some videos, people can be heard shouting pro-Palestinian slogans, but the footage has not been confirmed by the BBC.
Israeli President Isaac Herzog referred to “pogroms” against Maccabi fans and Israeli citizens. Geert Wilders, a Dutch anti-Islam politician who leads the largest political party in parliament, also commented on the pogrom and said, “The authorities will have to take responsibility for failing to protect Israeli citizens.”
Amsterdam Mayor Femke Halsema had previously tried to prevent trouble by moving pro-Palestinian protesters away from the Johan Cruyff Arena. However, according to Dutch reports, a large group tried to head to the stadium but were stopped by riot police.
Herzog said at
