Amsterdam, Netherlands, is reeling from a wave of violence targeting Israeli football fans following a UEFA Europa League match between Maccabi Tel Aviv and Ajax Amsterdam. The chaos began when Maccabi Tel Aviv supporters allegedly pulled down Palestinian flags and engaged in anti-Arab chants, sparking outrage among pro-Palestinian groups

Footage shared on social media shows disorder in the Dutch capital, including Palestinian flags being pulled down, crowds running through the streets, and a man being beaten.

Amsterdam’s mayor has announced a raft of emergency measures in the city after “antisemitic” rioters attacked Israeli football supporters – adding that she is “furious” about the events in her city.

Femke Halsema told a news conference:

“This is a very dark moment for the city, for which I am deeply ashamed. Antisemitic criminals attacked and assaulted visitors to our city in hit-and-run actions.”

The emergency measures apply to Amsterdam and the Amstelveen suburbs to its south.

Police will be able to conduct extra searches and a ban on protests and face coverings is now in place. Buildings that could be targeted will be protected.

Earlier, footage shared on social media showed Maccabi Tel Aviv football supporters pulling down Palestinian flags in central Amsterdam. Anti-Arab chants could also be heard.

Officers later arrested 62 people in the Dutch capital following the disorder after a football match between Ajax and the Israeli side.

Five people were taken to hospital after the violence as the two sides faced each other at the Johan Cruyff Arena, with Ajax winning 5-0.

Israel initially said it was planning to send military planes to Amsterdam to fly fans home before later deciding to send two commercial planes instead.

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

Authorities at this morning’s news conference said 10 of the 62 people arrested are still being held by police. Two of those who remain in custody are minors, they added. The five injured supporters have now left the hospital.

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

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

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

“This outburst of violence toward Israeli supporters is unacceptable and cannot be defended in any way.

“There is no excuse for the antisemitic behaviour exhibited last night by rioters who actively sought out Israeli supporters to attack and assault them.”

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

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

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

Maccabi Tel Aviv supporters had gathered in Dam Square in the afternoon before the match, and around 10 people there were arrested for criminal offences, including disrupting public disorder, police said.

Around 30 people were arrested at or near the arena, most of them for disrupting public order and carrying or lighting fireworks, the statement added.

Police said fans left the arena without incident after the match, but clashes were reported in the city centre during the night.

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

Ms. Halsema said authorities have decided to start an independent investigation into what happened.

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

Israel’s national security ministry urged its citizens in the Dutch city to stay in their hotels, the prime minister’s office added.