Israeli fans allegedly attacked in Amsterdam ahead of Europa League match | VIDEO
Several Israeli fans of the Maccabi Tel Aviv soccer team were reportedly attacked in Amsterdam on Wednesday night ahead of the team’s Europa League match against AFC Ajax.
Local media outlets, including 'NL Times', reported disturbances at Dam Square, where a group of individuals allegedly chanted pro-Palestinian slogans and set off fireworks and flares. Some Israeli fans sustained minor injuries during the clashes, and at least 10 people were detained for offences including disturbing the peace.
In addition, the 'Daily Mail' reported that Israeli fans tore down Palestinian flags and chanted offensive remarks directed at Palestine supporters. Footage from the scene showed large-scale confrontations between the two groups of fans in the streets.
Ajax thrash Maccabi Tel Aviv
Ajax extended their strong Europa League campaign with a dominant 5-0 win over Maccabi Tel Aviv.
The Dutch side took control early, opening the scoring in the 14th minute through Bertrand Traoré, with Brian Brobbey playing a key role. The striker skillfully manoeuvred past his marker before laying the ball across the box for Traoré to finish from close range.
Maccabi had a chance to level just five minutes later, but Elad Madmon’s goal was ruled offside.
Brobbey, who had been central to Ajax's attack, helped set up the second goal shortly before the half-hour mark. He flicked the ball into the path of Kenneth Taylor, who completed a well-worked team move.
Six minutes before halftime, it was 3-0, as winger Mika Godts curled in a fine shot after cutting inside from the left.
Brobbey, who had been involved in all the goals up to that point, finally got on the scoresheet himself just after the hour mark. He smashed in a powerful indirect free kick for his first goal of the season.
Substitute Kian Fitz-Jim rounded off the rout, controlling a well-weighted pass from Steven Bergwijn and finishing with composure from inside the box. The result capped off a perfect evening for Ajax manager Francesco Farioli.