A Dutch court sentenced five men on Tuesday for their roles in violence that broke out after a soccer match between Israel’s Maccabi Tel Aviv and Amsterdam’s Ajax last month. The clashes, which involved chants of anti-Arab slurs and antisemitic remarks, sparked international outcry and condemnation.
According to the court, the violence was fueled by a toxic mix of antisemitism, hooliganism, and anger over conflicts in Palestine and Israel. Mayor Femke Halsema stated that the riots were driven by this combination, which injured around 25-35 Israeli soccer fans.
The men were sentenced for various offenses, including violence, aiding and abetting violence, and making offensive remarks against Jewish people. One man was given a six-month prison sentence for punching multiple victims and kicking another person into a moving tram. Two others were sentenced to short prison terms for sending information that aided the riots, while a 19-year-old was given community service for carrying out acts of violence before the match.
The court said its decision was based on “anger, frustration, and sadness” over the situation in Gaza, rather than a desire to instill fear. The sentences come after more than 60 suspects were detained following the riots, which left five people in hospital with serious injuries.
Source: https://edition.cnn.com/2024/12/24/europe/dutch-soccer-riots-men-sentenced-intl/index.html