Israel sends two 'rescue planes' to Amsterdam as 57 arrested after shocking Europa League fan violence
Israel sent two rescue planes to Amsterdam to bring back football fans after violence in the city, it has been reported.
On Thursday night Ajax hosted Maccabi Tel Aviv in the Europa League and recorded an emphatic 5-0 victory, with Bertrand Traore, Kenneth Taylor, Mika Godts, Brian Brobbey and Kian Fitz-Jim.
But the game was overshadowed by violence in the city off the pitch, with riot police on the scene as clashes in the streets occured.
Police say there were no incidents at the Johan Cruyff Arena, where pro-Palestinian protesters reportedly failed in their attempts to gain access, but trouble ensued overnight in the city centre and a total of 57 arrests were made, as per Reuters.
Amsterdam Mayor Femke Halsema said Maccabi Tel Aviv fans were "attacked, abused and pelted with fireworks" and had to be escorted by police back to hotels. Broadcaster Kan reported the foreign ministry said it had lost contact with three people.
The clashes come as a result of the Israel-Palestine conflict and the office of Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu's confirmed planes were sent to Amsterdam to transport fans back after "a very violent incident".
The Israeli military said cargo aircraft was being to the Netherlands, accompanied by medical and rescue teams after working in unison with the Dutch government.
There were reports of Tel Aviv fans setting off fireworks and ripping down a Palestinian flag on a street near Dam Square.
Meanwhile, Dutch Prime Minister Dick Schoof said he was "horrified" by what he referred to as "anti-Semitic attacks on Israeli citizens".
In a statement released on X, formerly known as Twitter, Schoof said he had been in communication with Netanyahu over telephone and vowed that "the perpetrators will be identified and prosecuted".
Five people were taken to hospital for treatment, according to police.
Topics: Ajax, Europa League
Josh Lawless