Riot police in Amsterdam on Monday evening arrested several people during another eruption of violence sparked by a football match between Israeli side Maccabi Tel Aviv and local team Ajax last Thursday. A police spokesman said a tram at the '40-'45 Square in the west part of Amsterdam had caught fire, likely caused by fireworks thrown at it. The windows of the tram were shattered. No one was injured in the incident, as the tram had been empty, the spokesman said. The five men, all from the Netherlands and aged between 18 and 37, are suspected of "public violence against persons" before and after the Maccabi Tel Aviv match against local team Ajax.

Unrest flared up again in the city on Monday evening when an empty tram and a police car were set alight. Some rioters reportedly shouted "Free Palestine", according to Dutch reports. Prime Minister Dick Schoof said earlier on Monday that "antisemitic attacks against Israelis and Jews" were "nothing short of shocking and reprehensible".

As the players exited the pitch, tensions between Ajax and Maccabi fans escalated rapidly. Eyewitnesses described a scene of mayhem, with a group of Maccabi supporters reportedly being attacked by Ajax ultras. Flares were thrown, and fights broke out in the stands, spilling out into the surrounding streets. Riot police were deployed to restore order, but the chaos continued long after the match had ended.

In response to the violence, local law enforcement moved swiftly to identify and apprehend those responsible. Multiple arrests were made overnight, with police confirming that several individuals involved in the disturbances were detained on charges ranging from assault to public disorder. Authorities are continuing to review CCTV footage and other evidence to track down additional suspects.

As football fans around the world look forward to the next matchday, the violence in Amsterdam serves as a stark reminder of the need for stronger measures to combat fan-related disorder. While the game itself was a thrilling contest, the chaos that ensued afterward serves as a sobering counterpoint to the passion and excitement that make football one of the world’s most beloved sports.