What's happened
Riots in Amsterdam following a Europa League match between Ajax and Maccabi Tel Aviv have led to multiple injuries and arrests. The violence, described as antisemitic, has drawn international condemnation and sparked political debate in the Netherlands about rising tensions and societal divisions.
Why it matters
What the papers say
The SBS article highlights the immediate aftermath of the riots, noting the injuries and arrests, while emphasizing the antisemitic nature of the attacks. Mayor Femke Halsema's comments about the violence being 'antisemitic' align with sentiments expressed by international leaders, including US President Joe Biden, who condemned the events as 'despicable'. In contrast, the South China Morning Post and The Independent focus on the political fallout, particularly the divisive rhetoric from Geert Wilders, who has been criticized for inflaming tensions. Opposition lawmakers argue that his statements do not contribute to societal healing, suggesting a need for more constructive dialogue. This divergence in focus illustrates the complexity of the situation, where immediate violence intersects with broader societal issues.
How we got here
The unrest began after a November 7 match between Ajax and Maccabi Tel Aviv, where tensions escalated due to pre-existing societal issues related to antisemitism and the ongoing conflict in Gaza. Reports indicate that both fan groups engaged in provocative actions leading to violence.
More on these topics
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Amsterdamsche Football Club Ajax, also known as AFC Ajax, Ajax Amsterdam, or simply Ajax, is a Dutch professional football club based in Amsterdam, that plays in the Eredivisie, the top tier in Dutch football.
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Amsterdam is the capital and most populous city of the Netherlands with a population of 872,680 within the city proper, 1,380,872 in the urban area and 2,410,960 in the metropolitan area.
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Kristallnacht or the Night of Broken Glass, also called the November Pogrom, was a pogrom against Jews carried out by SA paramilitary forces and civilians throughout Nazi Germany on 9–10 November 1938. The German authorities looked on without intervenin
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Geert Wilders is a Dutch politician who has been Leader of the Party for Freedom since he founded it in 2006. Wilders is the parliamentary leader of his party in the House of Representatives.
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Femke Halsema is a Dutch politician and filmmaker. On 27 June 2018, she was appointed Mayor of Amsterdam and began serving a six-year term on 12 July 2018. She is the first woman to hold the position on a non-interim basis.