Two Years After Amsterdam Riots: Compensation and Ongoing Security Challenges
Two years after the violent riots targeting Maccabi Tel Aviv fans in Amsterdam, half of the victims have received state compensation as civil lawsuits loom, while security concerns continue to plague Israeli football fans in Europe.
The refusal of the Alkmaar municipality to host Hapoel Beersheba fans last week for a match against the Israeli champions brought back memories of the turbulent events involving Maccabi Tel Aviv fans and Israel nearly two years ago, on November 7, 2024. Following the Europa League match between Ajax and Maccabi Tel Aviv, one of the most severe incidents experienced by football fans in Europe occurred. Dozens of rioters, mostly local radical Muslims, targeted Maccabi Tel Aviv fans in downtown Amsterdam, physically assaulting them for hours.
Compensation and Legal Proceedings
Although nearly two years have passed, the path to addressing damages in various cases remains long. Forty Maccabi Tel Aviv fans filed complaints regarding physical and mental trauma following that night. Professor Gideon Fisher, whose office handles most of the claims, is convinced that many more fans were affected without stepping forward. Out of the 40 victims, 21 have already received financial compensation from the official Dutch committee for criminal offenses. This body awarded compensation ranging between 2,500 and 5,000 euros per victim, depending on the severity of the injury.
It is important to emphasize that victims can still file police complaints today, two years after the violent events. Fisher's office reached an agreement allowing victims to file complaints with the police in Israel rather than traveling to the Netherlands. Many victims initially chose to forego complaints due to various concerns, including fear of police involvement or potential travel issues.
Future Civil Lawsuits
In the near future, alongside state compensation, civil lawsuits will be launched against the rioters and the Dutch government. Civil claims can only proceed after criminal justice has been served, and four rioters have already been convicted and sentenced. They will face civil suits, and the Dutch government is also expected to be among the defendants.
"The road to normalcy and the days when fans could travel freely in Europe without fear is still long, but justice is being served." — Legal sources.
Ongoing Restrictions for Israeli Fans
Two years after the Amsterdam riots, about half of the victims have received initial compensation from the state committee, and civil suits are on the way. However, the overall situation for Israeli football fans has not improved. Last week, Hapoel Beersheba fans were barred from traveling to the Netherlands, and they will likewise be unable to accompany their team for an upcoming match against Belgium's Union Saint-Gilloise.
