Good morning, The Football Newsletter readers,

Today’s issue dives into a troubling episode in Amsterdam that highlights the intersection of football, politics, and global tensions. Last Thursday, what began as a routine Europa League match between Ajax and Maccabi Tel Aviv ended in violence that has reverberated far beyond the pitch. The violent clashes, arrests, and diplomatic reactions have posed serious questions for football’s authorities as they brace for further tense fixtures in the weeks ahead.

The 5-0 victory for Ajax should have marked a straightforward night of Europa League football. Instead, the evening spiraled into chaos after the match, with Israeli fans attacked in Amsterdam’s city centre. Local police reported that 62 arrests were made, with several Maccabi fans requiring medical attention after being subjected to what Amsterdam’s mayor, Femke Halsema, called “antisemitic violence.” Dutch prime minister Dick Schoof and Israel’s president Isaac Herzog both condemned the attacks, with Herzog reporting that the Dutch king expressed his “deep horror” over the events.

In addition to violent assaults, there were reports of rioters using fireworks as weapons and “hit-and-run” attacks on Maccabi supporters as they returned to their hotels. With the anniversary of Kristallnacht, rising tensions around the Israel-Gaza conflict, and an influx of Turkish fans in the city for AZ Alkmaar’s game against Fenerbahce, authorities anticipated potential trouble. However, the scale and intensity of the violence went beyond what many had expected.

While the Ajax-Maccabi fixture was the immediate catalyst, the violence was deeply intertwined with current geopolitical tensions. Amsterdam has seen regular pro-Palestinian demonstrations over the past year, and hosting an Israeli club was considered high-risk by city authorities. Police had even banned pro-Palestinian protests near the stadium, and over 800 officers were deployed in anticipation of disturbances.

Adding to the tension, videos circulated on social media showing Maccabi fans chanting anti-Arab slogans in Dam Square before the match. Maccabi’s ultras group has a history of controversy, and scenes from Thursday reflected a bitter convergence of football rivalry and geopolitical unrest.

In the aftermath, Maccabi Tel Aviv coordinated with Israeli authorities to ensure a safe return for their fans. The club chartered “rescue flights” and advised fans to avoid public displays of Jewish symbols while awaiting transport back to Israel. Maccabi’s CEO Ben Mansford said, “We are shocked… Thank God all our fans are back.”

Ajax condemned the violence, and UEFA stated they would review reports and decide on further action. The incident has highlighted how political tensions can overshadow European competitions, and officials are now under pressure to take stronger preventive measures as similar fixtures loom.

This isn’t the first time Maccabi Tel Aviv’s European games have encountered violence. Although their recent away games had been without incident, there was reported violence involving Maccabi fans in Athens last March. Following the Israel-Gaza escalation, UEFA declared that no matches would be hosted in Israel until further notice, forcing Maccabi to stage their “home” games in neutral venues in Hungary and Serbia.

The issue of political statements in football stadiums remains thorny. PSG and Galatasaray ultras displayed “Free Palestine” banners in Champions League and Europa League matches, while UEFA’s regulations prohibit “provocative messages” that are deemed political. However, enforcement remains inconsistent, and UEFA has so far avoided sanctions for general political expressions, reserving penalties for explicitly provocative messages against specific teams.

Meanwhile, FIFA has delayed a decision on whether to suspend the Israel Football Association following complaints from the Palestine Football Association. With Israel’s “home” games relocated and ongoing tensions, UEFA and FIFA find themselves under pressure to manage a precarious balancing act between safety, free expression, and neutrality.

Maccabi Tel Aviv’s next Europa League fixture is scheduled to be against Besiktas. However, amid concerns over security, Turkish authorities have announced that the game will be moved from Istanbul to a neutral location. The match venue has yet to be confirmed, but UEFA and Besiktas are exploring options.

As Maccabi’s European run continues, the risk of further violence and disruptions remains high. Their continued participation in the Europa League may require heightened security and even stricter regulations around protests, both inside and outside stadiums.

The Israel national team also faces a series of high-risk matches. They’re set to play France and Belgium in the UEFA Nations League, with France confirming that the Paris fixture will go ahead as planned. Belgian authorities, however, opted to play Israel’s last match behind closed doors due to security concerns.

The situation highlights a critical challenge for UEFA and FIFA: managing the intersection of sports and politics in an era of heightened tension. With the ongoing security concerns surrounding Israeli teams and clubs, European football’s governing bodies are under scrutiny to ensure safety and fairness in a politically charged environment.

This edition of The Football Newsletter underscores how football often finds itself entangled in global issues, posing tough questions for the sport’s governing bodies. As we look toward upcoming fixtures, it’s clear that the balancing act between sport and politics is more delicate than ever.