Chaos after Ajax-Maccabi Tel Aviv, the first convictions arrive but there was no anti-Semitism

The first sentences arrive for the people implicated in the violent scuffles that broke out in Amsterdam after the Europa League match between Ajax and Maccabi Tel Aviv of last November 7th. Five men have been sentenced to sentences ranging from 100 hours of community service to six months in prison for violence against fans of the Israeli club.

The Amsterdam prosecutor’s office found the defendants guilty of a series of crimes ranging from “kicking” Maccabi Tel Aviv supporters in the street to inciting violence in discussion groups. The longest sentence is for Sefa Ö. (32 years old) accused, with supporting images, of having chased, pushed and hit several Israeli supporters, including an individual already on the ground. Eight months of suspended prison were imposed on Umutcan A. (24 years old), accused of attacking fans and violently ripping a Maccabi scarf from one of them. The young man was also identified as the author of a message that evoked a “Jew hunt”.

Among the others convicted, one incited in a WhatsApp group to beat Jews, another shared the position of Israeli supporters online, while a minor will have to perform 100 hours of community service for the damage caused to a police car and for illegal possession of pyrotechnic material. The prosecution had requested sentences of one month to two years in prison. However, the judge found that there was “no evidence of an organized connection, of a terrorist intent” and that the violence was “not motivated by anti-Semitic sentiments”. However, Israel denounced a “pogrom” and the images went around the world.

The reconstruction
Tensions were already high before the match: according to police and local media, Israeli supporters had chanted anti-Arab slogans, as well as carrying out various acts of vandalism and burning a Palestinian flag. Police have investigated at least 45 people, including some Maccabi fans accused of provocative behaviour.