Police in Amsterdam have arrested several suspects after dozens of rioters clashed with officers and set a tram car on fire.
Footage from the scene captured at least one of the participants shouting “Cancer Jews,” suggesting that the violence was an extension of attacks perpetrated by Muslim and Arab rioters against Israeli soccer fans over the weekend.
Another video shows a Palestinian flag hung near one of the main points of friction during the clashes.
A police spokesman said a tram at the ’40-’45 Square in the western part of Amsterdam had caught fire, likely caused by fireworks thrown at it. The windows of the tram were also shattered.
No one was injured in the incident, as the tram had been empty, the spokesman added.
Footage from local TV station AT5 showed many people on the square throwing fireworks, poles, and wooden pallets.
Police urged people to stay away from the square and said riot squads would remain present to restore order.
Police said it was unclear who started the unrest and whether it was connected to last week’s events. However, they noted the tense atmosphere since five people were treated in hospital and dozens detained on Thursday following a Maccabi Tel Aviv-Ajax match. Youths on scooters and foot went in search of Israeli fans, punching and kicking them before fleeing to evade police, according to Amsterdam’s mayor.
