Violence between supporters before the Ajax-Maccabi Tel Aviv match

Violent incidents between supporters in Amsterdam before the Ajax-Maccabi Tel Aviv match

Israeli supporters, already present in Amsterdam for the match between Maccabi Tel Aviv and Ajax, were confronted with violence in the streets of the Dutch capital. Witnesses claim that Turkish fans, linked to the Fenerbahçe club, ambushed Israelis near entertainment venues. “They were waiting for us near the places where we took taxis, and there were often several of them ready to attack us,” said one of the Israeli supporters. Faced with rising tensions, the police had to escort groups of supporters for their safety.

The incidents take place in a context of political tensions marked by a pro-Palestinian protest movement. Several buildings in the city are adorned with Palestinian flags, with some even removed by Israeli supporters in videos widely shared on social media. Furthermore, anti-Israeli demonstrations had been announced for the day of the match, but due to the risk of excesses, the local authorities decided to move one of the gatherings planned near the Johan Cruyff stadium to a place further away.

On the other hand, Ajax supporters, who have often symbolically associated themselves with Jewish culture and frequently display Israeli flags during matches, decided to put this tradition on hold for the match against Maccabi Tel Aviv. Ajax fan groups have expressed their wish to keep the event purely sporting, devoid of any political symbols, thus underlining their disagreement with the introduction of symbols linked to geopolitical conflicts.

This tense atmosphere illustrates the challenges that authorities encounter in ensuring security during international matches, where sporting passions sometimes mix with political issues. Amsterdam's mayor and police have had to step up security measures to avoid clashes as the number of fans traveling from abroad to watch the match increases. Additionally, activist groups, including the BDS movement, lobbied hard to cancel the meeting, spreading slogans like “Expel Israel from UEFA” on banners across the city.

In terms of competition, this match on Thursday November 7, 2024, at 9:00 p.m. at the Johan Cruijff Arena stadium in Amsterdam, promises to be historic. This is in fact the first confrontation between Ajax and Maccabi Tel Aviv since 2004, when the two teams faced each other in the Champions League. The return match in Tel Aviv was remembered for the spectacular performance of Israeli striker Baruch Dago, who scored twice against an Ajax team then made up of stars like Wesley Sneijder and Rafael van der Vaart.

As the eyes of the football world focus on the match, authorities and fans hope that sport will prevail over political rivalries.

Jforum.fr