Israeli citizens warned to avoid Maccabi Tel Aviv game in Italy after Amsterdam clashes
Virtus' Tornike Shengelia (R) in action against Maccabi's Josh Nebo (L) and Lorenzo Brown (C) during the Euroleague basketball match between Maccabi Tel Aviv and Virtus Bologna in Belgrade, Serbia, 10 January 2024. (EPA Photo)
The Israeli government on Friday advised its citizens to refrain from attending Maccabi Tel Aviv’s basketball game against Virtus Bologna in Italy, citing safety concerns. The recommendation, based on guidance from Israel’s Security Council, was issued by the Prime Minister’s Office just hours before the scheduled match.
The advisory follows escalating tensions involving Israeli sports fans, particularly in Amsterdam, where violent clashes erupted between Maccabi Tel Aviv supporters and pro-Palestinian demonstrators during a UEFA match against Ajax on Thursday. Social media videos showed Maccabi fans engaging in confrontations, including the removal of Palestinian flags and the reported assault of Arab taxi drivers outside the Johan Cruyff Arena.
In some of the most disturbing footage, Maccabi supporters were seen chanting inflammatory statements, including: “There are no schools in Gaza because there are no children left.” The videos sparked outrage online and raised concerns over fan behavior, prompting Israel’s call for caution at future international events.
The unrest in Amsterdam came after Ajax secured a decisive 5-0 victory over Maccabi Tel Aviv. The confrontations led to the arrest of 62 individuals by Dutch authorities as tensions spilled over into the streets.
Israel’s government later characterized the incidents as assaults on its citizens abroad, despite evidence suggesting that Maccabi supporters had instigated some of the altercations. This framing highlights the broader geopolitical tensions affecting public gatherings and events involving Israeli nationals in Europe.
