Four Jail Terms Issued for Amsterdam Violence Against Football Fans

Four individuals have been sentenced for their roles in violent incidents that disrupted a Europa League match in Amsterdam, shedding light on the rising tensions in the city.

Four individuals were sentenced to jail terms by an Amsterdam district court for their involvement in violent clashes against football fans during a Europa League match between Ajax and Maccabi Tel Aviv. The riots, which occurred on November 8, prompted international condemnation and revealed underlying societal tensions, particularly regarding antisemitism in the Netherlands.

Sefa Ö, aged 32, received the heaviest sentence of six months for throwing karate-style kicks at victims, resulting in one of them colliding with a moving tram. Two others were sentenced to 10 weeks and one month in jail, respectively. A fifth defendant, who is a minor, was given a community service order.

The court highlighted the seriousness of the actions in the context of ongoing unrest in the Netherlands related to the Gaza conflict. Video evidence presented during the trial documented extreme violence against Maccabi supporters, chants against Arabs, and the vandalism of taxis. The situation escalated over two days, leading to a robust judicial response.

Prosecutors indicated that while the violence had antisemitic undertones, the group’s primary intention was not to instill terror. Chief prosecutor René de Beukelaer noted that the Jewish community in Amsterdam may feel threatened by these actions, but emphasized they did not aim for widespread fear.

As further arrests are made related to the unrest, the court has given the defendants a two-week window to appeal their sentences, with calls for heightened awareness around antisemitism in the country continuing to take precedence.