AMSTERDAM—Israel was sending two commercial planes to the Netherlands on Friday to repatriate hundreds of Israeli soccer fans after overnight attacks in the streets of Amsterdam that officials described as antisemitic.
Videos on social media showed riot police intervening in clashes, with some attackers shouting anti-Israeli slurs.
Amsterdam Mayor Femke Halsema said Maccabi Tel Aviv supporters were “attacked, abused and pelted with fireworks” and that riot police intervened to protect them and escort them to hotels. At least five people were treated in hospital, she said.
Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu’s office said the order to send planes was taken after “a very violent incident” targeting Israeli citizens after the match between Maccabi and Ajax Amsterdam.
A video verified by Reuters showed a group of men running near Amsterdam central station, chasing and assaulting other men, as police sirens sounded.
Police said there had been incidents before the game, for which roughly 3,000 Maccabi supporters travelled to Amsterdam.
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Police said 62 suspects had been detained after the game as pro-Palestinian demonstrators tried to reach the Johan Cruyff Arena, even though the city had forbidden a protest there.
They said fans had left the stadium without incident after the Europa League match, which Ajax won 5–0, but that clashes erupted overnight in the city centre.
The Israeli airlines El Al and Arkia said two rescue flights were on the way to Amsterdam.
The Gaza war has sparked protests in support of both sides across Europe and the United States, and both Jews and Arabs have been attacked.
Amsterdam officials were due to hold a press conference at noon (1100 GMT).
