UEFA published a press release this Friday, November 8, in which it “strongly condemns the incidents and acts of violence that occurred Thursday evening in the city of Amsterdam before and after the Europa League match between Ajax and Maccabi Tel Aviv”, thus affirming the opening of a procedure and will gather the available evidence.
“We are confident that the relevant authorities will identify and charge as many people responsible for these acts as possible. UEFA will review all official reports, gather available evidence, evaluate it and assess any other appropriate measures in accordance with its relevant regulatory framework.declared the European body in a press release.
Footage shared on social media showed supporters tearing down a Palestinian flag in central Amsterdam.
According to a press release from the Amsterdam police and public prosecutor’s office, the evening “was been very turbulent with several incidents of violence targeting Maccabi supporters.
Police said 57 people were arrested after pro-Palestinian protesters tried to reach the arena after the match.
The first arrests took place hours before the match as Israeli fans gathered in the city center.
The Israeli military initially said it would send two planes to bring Maccabi fans back to the country. Further arrests then took place during a planned demonstration against the arrival of Tel Aviv team players, and after the match as hooligans targeted Israeli fans.
Dutch police said they were aware of reports of a possible hostage-taking, but had no confirmation that it had actually happened. A number of missing people have now been found, they said.
Maccabi Tel Aviv fans had gathered in Dam Square in the afternoon before the match, and around 10 people were arrested there for criminal offenses, including disturbing public order, said the police.
Meanwhile, a planned pro-Palestinian demonstration took place at Anton de Komplein Square, about a 15-minute walk from the Johan Cruyff Arena. Local authorities had banned organizers from holding the demonstration on the ground.
Some of that group tried to go to the field but were stopped by riot police, who were pelted with fireworks, police said.
Around 30 people were arrested in or near the arena, most for disrupting public order and carrying or lighting fireworks, the statement added.
Police said fans left the arena without incident after the game, but clashes were reported in the city center overnight. Videos posted on social media showed crowds running in the streets and one man being beaten.
