Iran's state media has reacted to the attack on Israeli soccer fans by pro-Palestinians in Amsterdam, stating that the scuffle was started by Israelis themselves. The incident happened on Thursday after a group of Israeli fans of soccer team Maccabi Tel Aviv, attending a Europa League match, were chased and attacked by pro-Palestinian protestors.
The Iranian state media said the Israelis defaced a Palestinian flag, which resulted in the Muslim youths confronting the Israelis. This resulted in a violent altercation, it added.
However, Israel claims their citizens were attacked by pro-Palestinians without provocation. The incident, which Israel called a 'pogrom', horrified Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, who immediately sent two rescue planes to bring the Israelis from Amsterdam.
Local Israeli media Kan 11 News also aired reports which said "Muslim" men were waiting in the corner to identify and attack Jews. "They started chasing Israeli fans. They also waited near hotels and casinos in larger groups. Some drove by in cars and did not stop honking near hotels in which Israelis are staying," the report quoted an unnamed Israeli.
However, Iran has rubbished the version and said Israelis tore up a Palestinian flag. However, it said the situation escalated after the pro-Palestine group chased the Israelis to their hotels. "Some of the fleeing fans were reportedly struck by vehicles during the pursuit," the Iranian media report added. It also slammed "pro-Zionist Western media outlets" for blaming the incident on Muslims.
Israel’s Maccabi Tel Aviv hooligans, protected by police, chanted anti-Arab slurs and a genocidal song in Amsterdam, including lines like “no schools in Gaza because there are no children left” & “Let the IDF win to fuck the Arabs”.
— Clash Report (@clashreport) November 8, 2024
They also attacked Palestinian flags.
This… pic.twitter.com/MIposXA2vx
Meanwhile, unverified videos doing rounds on social media claimed Israelis allegedly chanting anti-Arabs slurs and genocidal songs about dead children in Gaza, even before the attacks began. Pro-Palestinian activists too claimed the Israeli fans were the first to engage in harassment and violence.
⚠️ Graphic videos ⚠️
— Embassy of Israel to the USA (@IsraelinUSA) November 8, 2024
Hundreds of fans of the @MaccabiTLVFC soccer team were ambushed and attacked in Amsterdam tonight as they left the stadium following a game against @AFCAjax.
The mob who targeted these innocent Israelis has proudly shared their violent acts on social media.… pic.twitter.com/R3vRAIKrIG
But, Israel claims the attack was "organised and widespread" and was carried out by gangs of masked assailants who shouted “Free Palestine”. The Israelis were "hunted, beat and harassed". Netherlands too has condemned what they called antisemitic attacks.
Prime Minister Netanyahu expressed shock at the incident, stating that he views the incident with utmost gravity and demanded that the Dutch government and security forces take vigorous and swift action against the rioters."
