A Dutch court has handed down sentences to five men in connection with the violence that erupted following a soccer match in Amsterdam last month. The clashes occurred after a game between Israel’s Maccabi Tel Aviv and Amsterdam’s Ajax on November 7, leading to widespread condemnation.
Social media videos captured Maccabi fans engaging in anti-Arab chants and expressing support for Israeli military actions in Gaza, culminating in violent attacks on Maccabi supporters post-match. The scenes included individuals shouting antisemitic slurs and setting off fireworks inside a tram.
Amsterdam Mayor Femke Halsema attributed the violence, which left around 25 to 35 Israeli fans injured, to a mix of antisemitism, hooliganism, and anger over conflicts in the Middle East. Community leaders also pointed to right-wing figures like Geert Wilders for stoking tensions for political purposes.
Of the men sentenced, three were convicted of violence, while two were found guilty of aiding and abetting violent acts. One individual was also charged with making offensive remarks against Jewish people.
A 32-year-old man received a six-month prison term for multiple violent acts, including assaulting victims on the ground and kicking a person into a moving tram. Two 26-year-olds were sentenced for facilitating the riots by sharing information in a WhatsApp group.
One man directed others to target Jewish individuals, while the other called for violence in the group. They were given prison terms of one month and 10 weeks, respectively. The chief prosecutor clarified that the men were not charged with terrorism as their actions stemmed from emotions related to the Gaza situation.
Another individual, aged 24, was sentenced to one month in prison for assaulting Maccabi supporters and stealing a scarf. A 19-year-old received 100 hours of community service under juvenile law for pre-match violence, including aggression towards a police officer and participation in chats advocating violence.
These five men are the first to be tried and sentenced in connection with the riots, which resulted in five hospitalizations and minor injuries to 20-30 others. Over 60 suspects were detained following the incidents.
