'Guys on mopeds were beating up an Israeli... they were looking for Jews'

Football hooligans and ‘antisemitic hit-and-run squads' made for a volatile Amsterdam atmosphere, reports Barney Davis.

- Barney Davis

Ahead of a football game between Ajax and Maccabi Tel Aviv, violence erupted as football hooligans, fans, taxi drivers and Palestinian activists clashed near the canals and tramlines of Amsterdam.

With both Palestinian and Israeli governments demanding protection for their citizens, The Independent investigates what sparked the violence that left five people in hospital and dozens injured.

Prior to the match, Amsterdam mayor Femke Halsema relocated a pro-Palestinian demonstration away from the Johan Cruyff Arena to reduce potential confrontations, though Israeli supporters reportedly continued to rally in Dam Square, sparking angry clashes. Amsterdam’s police chief said Maccabi supporters attacked a taxi and set a Palestinian flag on fire the day before the match. But Mayor Halsema said the actions were no excuse for what came later as violence erupted in the European city.

On match day more than 200 Maccabi Tel Aviv supporters took to the streets of Amsterdam, as some were filmed tearing down Palestinian flags and others chanted anti-Palestinian slogans. Police escorted them to the stadium. In the Johan Cruyff Arena, just before kick-off, Tel Aviv fans ignored a moment of silence honouring recent flood victims in Spain, triggering more hostilities inside the stadium.