An Amsterdam District Court has handed down sentences to five men involved in the violence that occurred during a UEFA Europa League football match between Ajax and Maccabi Tel Aviv in November. The riots resulted in 5 individuals being hospitalized and 20 others sustaining minor injuries, with over 60 people detained.
The court sentenced one man to 6 months in prison, another to 2 1/2 months, and two others to 1 month each. A fifth defendant received 100 hours of community service. The incidents involved clashes between pro-Palestinian demonstrators and Israeli soccer fans, with some actions being labeled as antisemitic.
Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu offered to evacuate Maccabi supporters due to the violence, which drew international attention and tarnished Amsterdam's reputation as a city known for tolerance and religious freedom.
The prosecutors' office attributed the violence to strong pro-Palestine sentiments, dissatisfaction with the situation in Gaza, and anger towards the Israeli presence. The defendants, all Dutch residents aged between 19 and 32, faced charges of public violence, theft, and assault.
Despite concerns, the match proceeded as the Netherlands' counterterror watchdog found no specific threat to Israeli fans. However, Amsterdam authorities prohibited a pro-Palestinian demonstration near the Johan Cruyff Arena.
Prior to the game, incidents were reported, including Israeli fans removing a Palestinian flag from a building and assaulting a taxi. Six additional suspects, including three minors, will face trials later, with juvenile proceedings held privately as per Dutch regulations. Police are actively investigating the violence and have released images of suspects for identification.
