King Willem-Alexander speaks of shock after Jewish football fans are targeted in violence in Amsterdam

The King of the Netherlands has said he is shocked by attacks on Jewish football fans in Amsterdam and that the country can’t ”turn a blind eye to antisemitic behaviour in our streets”.

King Willem-Alexander was speaking after fans of the Israeli side, Maccabi Tel Aviv, were targeted in violence in the Dutch capital following a Europa League match.

At least five people were injured and needed hospital treatment after they targeted by pro Palestinian groups. Israel had urged all fans to return home immediately and many have now left the Netherlands.

Some of the rioters were armed with knives and many were shouting slogans and slurs at the fans. Sixty two people have been arrested following the attacks.

Dozens of fans fled as violence erupted around midnight on the streets of Amsterdam. Some hid in hotels while others jumped into canals to escape.

King Willem-Alexander spoke to the President of Israel, Isaac Herzog, in the hours following the attacks and expressed his shock and horror at the violence. He told President Herzog he felt that the Dutch had let down the Jewish people in the same way they had in World War Two.

In a statement issued in the aftermath of the attack, the Dutch King said that he and his wife, Queen Maxima, were shocked by the violence.

King Willem-Alexander continued ”we cannot turn a blind eye to antisemitic behaviour in our streets. Our history has taught us how intimidation goes from bad to worse, with horrific consequences. Jews should be able to feel safe in the Netherlands, anywhere and at any time.”

The Dutch king concluded ”we put our arms around them and don’t let go.”

The mayor of Amsterdam, Femke Helsema, said it had been a ”black night and a dark day” and that Jewish life and culture had been threatened and bringing to mind pogroms against Jewish people in the past.

The Dutch Prime Minister, Dick Schoof, said he was ashamed of what had happened and that it had been a ”dreadful night”.