Five Convicted in Amsterdam for Violence Against Israeli Fans After November Ajax-Maccabi Match; Sentences Up to Six Months

Dec 24, 2024, 01:32 PM

A Dutch court has convicted five men for their involvement in violent incidents against Israeli football fans during a match between Ajax Amsterdam and Maccabi Tel Aviv in November. The court sentenced the men to up to six months in prison for their roles in the attacks, which were described as shocking and sparked accusations of anti-Semitism. The violence occurred after the Europa League match, where Israeli fans were reportedly chased and assaulted, leading to serious injuries among several individuals. The judge noted that the sentences were more severe due to the context of the crimes, which typically might not result in jail time. Prosecutors had initially sought harsher penalties, with some calling for sentences of up to two years. The court's decision has drawn criticism for being lenient, especially as investigations into at least 45 other individuals connected to the violence are ongoing.