Dozens of arrests were made after anti-Semitic rioters “actively sought out Israeli supporters to attack” following a soccer match in Amsterdam, Dutch authorities said.

Officers arrested 62 people in the Dutch capital after the disorder surrounding a football match between Ajax and Maccabi Tel Aviv.

Five people were taken to hospital following the violence as the two sides met at the Johan Cruyff Arena, with Ajax winning 5-0.

Israel initially said it planned to send military planes to Amsterdam to take fans home, before later deciding to send two commercial planes.

Images shared on social media show soccer fans waving a Palestinian flag in the center of Amsterdam. Anti-Arab chants were also heard.

Other videos show crowds running through the streets and a man being beaten.

A statement issued by Amsterdam police and prosecutors said the evening “was very turbulent, with several incidents of violence directed at Maccabi supporters”.

“In several places in the city, supporters were attacked,” the statement said.

“Police had to intervene several times, protect Israeli supporters and escort them to hotels. Despite the massive police presence in the city, Israeli supporters were injured.

“This outburst of violence towards Israeli supporters is unacceptable and in no way indefensible.

“There is no excuse for the anti-Semitic behavior displayed last night by rioters who actively sought out Israeli supporters to attack and attack.”

The first arrests took place hours before the match, as Israeli supporters gathered in the city center.

There were then further arrests at a planned demonstration against the arrival of the team’s players from Tel Aviv, and after the match as hooligans targeted Israeli supporters.

Dutch police said they were aware of a possible hostage situation, but had no confirmation that it actually happened. A number of people who were reported missing have now been found, they said.

Maccabi Tel Aviv supporters gathered in Dam Square the afternoon before the match, and about 10 people were arrested there for crimes including public disorder, police said.

Meanwhile, a planned pro-Palestinian demonstration took place in Anton de Komplein Square, about a 15-minute walk from the Johan Cruyff Arena. Local authorities banned the organizers from holding the demonstration on the ground.

Some of this group tried to reach the ground but were stopped by riot police, who were pelted with fireworks, the force said.

About 30 people were arrested at or near the arena, most of them for disturbing public order and transporting or lighting fireworks, the release also states.

Police said fans left the arena without incident after the game, but clashes were reported in the city center overnight.

Videos posted on social media showed crowds running through the streets and a man being beaten.

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Benjamin Netanyahu’s office said Friday morning that Israeli Prime Minister had been briefed on the details of “a very violent incident” in Amsterdam.

IsraelThe Ministry of National Security urged its citizens in the Dutch city to stay in their hotels, the prime minister’s office added.

Israeli Security Minister Itamar Ben-Gvir said in a post on X: “Fans who went to see a football match, faced anti-Semitism and were attacked with unimaginable cruelty just because of the Jews and of their Israeliness.”

Dutch Prime Minister Dick Schoof said in a post on X that he “followed the news from Amsterdam with disgust.”

He added that he had been in touch with Mr Netanyahu about the incident and said the city was now “calm”.

Israeli President Isaac Herzog wrote on X: “We see with horror this morning the shocking images and videos that since October 7th we hoped we would never see again: an anti-Semitic pogrom currently taking place against Maccabi Tel Aviv fans and citizens Israelis. in the heart of Amsterdam.”

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Ursula von der Leyen, president of the European Commission, said she was “outraged by last night’s despicable attacks” in a post on X.

“I strongly condemn these unacceptable acts,” she added. “Anti-Semitism has absolutely no place in Europe. And we are determined to fight against all forms of hatred.”