Arrests in Amsterdam follow Violent attacks on Israeli football fans

Amsterdam police have made more than 60 arrests after what authorities called "hateful antisemitic Violence" against Israeli football fans.

- Senay Boztas Amsterdam Jason Burke Jerusalem Jennifer Rankin

A plane carrying football supporters brought home from the Dutch capital by the Israeli government landed yesterday at Israel's Ben Gurion airport after the clashes on Thursday, which took place following a Europa League match between Ajax and Maccabi Tel Aviv.

The mayor of Amsterdam, Femke Halsema, described an "outburst" of antisemitism with "hit and run" attacks on the visiting supporters. "Men on scooters crisscrossed the city looking for Israeli football fans. It was a hit and run. I can easily understand that this brings back memories of pogroms," Halsema said.

"Our city has been deeply damaged. Jewish culture has been deeply threatened. This is an outburst of antisemitism that I hope to never see again."

The leaders of Israel and the Netherlands condemned the attacks, while a leading Jewish group said the Dutch capital should be "deeply ashamed".

Police said yesterday they had launched "a major investigation into multiple Violent incidents" and that five people had been taken to hospital and 62 arrested. There was no evidence of "kidnappings or hostage takings" but police were "probing reports", they said.

Officials in Amsterdam said that in several places in the city, support-ers were attacked, abused and pelted with fireworks and that riot police had to intervene several times to protect Israeli supporters and escort them to hotels.

Residents and businesses in Amsterdam were shocked by what appeared to be organised small groups of locals chasing Israeli fans in Amsterdasz city centre.