Thursday’s Europa League match between Ajax and Lazio promises to be a high-voltage match. Classified ‘high risk’ by UEFA, the match should be played without the presence of away fans in the stands. The risk, the Dutch authorities say, is linked to the possibility of anti-Semitic demonstrations emerging, an eventuality that in the Dutch capital they would prefer to avoid and eradicate at the root.
An official note has arrived on this matter issued by the ‘triangle’ of Amsterdam, made up of the police chief, the chief prosecutor and the mayor Femke Halsema: “Lazio fans are not welcome in Amsterdam. The risk of far-right, anti-Semitic, racist criminal outbreaks and disturbances of public order is too high. Some Lazio fans are known for fascist symbolism and disruption of public order. Examples are the Hitler salute and the abuse of the image of Anne Frank. In recent years, in conjunction with away matches in Holland and other European countries, Lazio fans have become protagonists of clashes with combat weapons or fireworks.”
And again, we read: “Last year, war in Palestine, Israel and other Middle Eastern countries caused an increase in anger and fear. On 7 and 8 November Amsterdam was rocked by violent incidents linked to the Ajax-Maccabi Tel Aviv match. The priority of the triangle is the surveillance and maintenance of public order, security and tranquility.” We are now awaiting communications from Lazio.