Dozens arrested over clashes between Israeli soccer fans and pro-Palestinian demonstrators

THE HAGUE, Nov. 8 (Xinhua) — Dozens of arrests have been made in Amsterdam following two days of clashes between supporters of Israeli soccer club Maccabi Tel Aviv and pro-Palestinian demonstrators, according to the local Dutch authorities in Amsterdam on Friday.
Supporters of the Israeli football club removed a Palestinian flag from a house in the center of Amsterdam on Wednesday night and clashed with pro-Palestinian demonstrators. Clashes also broke out Thursday night when a Europa League match between Ajax and Maccabi Tel Aviv took place.
A joint statement by Amsterdam mayor, the police and the public prosecutor said on Friday that the police had to intervene several times to protect Israeli supporters and escort them to hotels.
Several people were injured during the unrest and 57 arrests have been made, said the police.
The local authorities are in contact with the Israeli embassy and the Jewish community in Amsterdam, who are very concerned about the situation, according to Dutch media reports. ■