Ahead of a football game between Ajax and Maccabi Tel Aviv, violence erupted as football hooligans, fans, taxi-drivers and pro-Palestinian activists clashed near the canals and tramlines of Amsterdam.
With both Palestinian and Israeli governments demanding protection for their citizens, the Independent asks what sparked the violence that left five people in hospital and dozens injured.
Prior to the match, Amsterdam Mayor Femke Halsema relocated a pro-Palestinian demonstration away from the Johan Cruyff Arena to reduce potential confrontations, though Israeli supporters reportedly continued to rally in Dam Square, sparking angry clashes.
Amsterdam’s police chief said Maccabi supporters attacked a taxi and set a Palestinian flag on fire the day before the match.
But Mayor Halsema said the actions were no excuse for what came later as violence erupted in the European city.
On match day over 200 Maccabi Tel Aviv supporters took to the streets of Amsterdam some were filmed tearing down Palestinian flags and others chanted anti-Palestinian slogans.
Police escorted them to the stadium.
In the Johan Cruyff arena, just before kick off Tel Aviv fans ignored a moment of silence honouring recent flood victims in Spain, triggering more hostilities inside the stadium.
On the streets the disorder escalated when one rioter was seen scaling a building to rip down a Palestinian flag. Taxi drivers seeking revenge attacked the group even using apps to track down victims, according to the Times.
The match ended in a heavy defeat for Maccabi Tel Aviv, with Ajax winning 5-0.
One of the Israeli rioters involved in disorder was reportedly identified as a soldier in the IDF after attackers took his passport.
One video verified by Reuters showed a group of men running near Amsterdam central station, chasing and assaulting other men, as police sirens sounded.
Another appears to show a car mounting the pavement and appearing to run over one of the Israeli fans.
Britons leaving the stadium early were swept up in the violence.
