Israeli Hooligans Tear Down Palestine Flags in Amsterdam Chaos
- On November 6, 2024, hooligans vandalized Palestine flags during Maccabi Tel Aviv's visit to Ajax in Amsterdam.
- Police had to intervene to prevent confrontations between taxi drivers and the group of visiting fans.
- Ajax officials emphasized avoiding political expressions in the stadium, claiming football should be free from politics.
On November 6, 2024, tensions erupted in Amsterdam as Israeli football fans participated in a chaotic event ahead of Maccabi Tel Aviv's match against Ajax. These fans were filmed vandalizing Palestine flags, chanting provocative slogans as they marched through the city. The police intervened to prevent clashes between taxi drivers and visiting fans. Alongside these events, there was a backdrop of rising anti-Semitism in football, with incidents of offensive chants targeting Jewish communities. Ajax officials urged supporters to keep all political expressions out of the stadium, emphasizing that football should not be politicized. Meanwhile, nearby protests associated with the Week4Palestine event were organized, receiving an alternative space for their activities, which indicated a stark divide over how political issues are addressed in sports.