Gavin Mortimer Gavin Mortimer

Jewish football fans are not safe in Europe

Riot police in Amsterdam face off with rioting football fans (Credit: Getty images)

Israeli football fans were attacked in Amsterdam on Thursday evening and three supporters are listed as missing this morning. It is reported that the assailants yelled ‘Free Palestine’ as they kicked and punched the Jewish supporters.

According to the Israeli foreign ministry, a group of masked men, some of whom were draped in Palestine flags, ambushed the Israelis after their Europa League match against Ajax. A dozen supporters were injured and three are still unaccounted for on Friday morning.

The fear in France is that next Thursday won’t be so passive when the Israeli team are in town

The Times of Israel reports that Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has despatched two planes to Amsterdam to bring back the Israeli supporters who made the trip to Holland. A statement from Netanyahu’s office urged the Dutch authorities ‘to act decisively and swiftly against the rioters, and to ensure the wellbeing of our citizens’. It is claimed that the ambush was well-organised and eye witnesses said some of the attackers spoke Arabic.

Comments

Join the debate for just $5 for 3 months

Be part of the conversation with other Spectator readers by getting your first three months for $5.

Already a subscriber? Log in