The unrest occurred after a November 7 game between Israel’s Maccabi Tel Aviv and Amsterdam’s Ajax FC.
Footage from social media showed Maccabi fans chanting anti-Arab slurs and supporting military actions in Gaza.
Violence Erupts After Soccer Match
Following the match, violent clashes ensued as Maccabi fans were attacked in the streets of Amsterdam.
Social media videos showed attackers shouting antisemitic slurs and setting off fireworks inside a tram.
Amsterdam’s Mayor, Femke Halsema, called the violence a toxic mix of antisemitism, hooliganism, and political anger.
Sentences for Rioters and Supporters
The court found three men guilty of violence and two of aiding and abetting the riots.
One of the convicted, a 32-year-old man, received a six-month sentence for multiple violent acts.
This included punching victims and kicking another person into a moving tram, the court reported.
Role of Social Media in Spreading Violence
Two 26-year-old men were sentenced for inciting violence through a WhatsApp group, aiding the rioters.
One man sent messages to a group of 900 people, directing them to “find those Jews.”
The other called for violence, saying he would never again have the chance to harm Jewish people.
Court’s Rationale for Sentences
The men were not charged with terrorism, as prosecutors stated their actions stemmed from anger over Gaza.
Chief prosecutor René de Beukelaer emphasized that the violence was fueled by frustration, not an intention to terrorize.
Despite the violence, the court concluded that the perpetrators’ primary intent was not to instill fear.
Further Sentences for Other Rioters
A 24-year-old man was sentenced to a month in prison for kicking a victim multiple times during the violence.
This individual also stole a scarf from a Maccabi supporter, the court confirmed.
A 19-year-old, sentenced under juvenile law, was ordered to perform 100 hours of community service.
Aftermath of the Riots
The violent clashes left five people hospitalized, with an additional 20 to 30 suffering minor injuries.
Over 60 individuals were arrested following the riots, authorities reported at the time.
These five men are the first to be tried and sentenced in connection with the unrest.
