Amsterdam police chief: Maccabi Tel Aviv fans sparked violence by removing Palestinian flag

Amsterdam's Police Chief Peter Holla confirmed that the clashes between Ajax Amsterdam fans and Maccabi Tel Aviv supporters on Thursday night were sparked by the latter removing a Palestinian flag from a balcony in the city.

Holla stated that the violence began on Wednesday evening when Maccabi Tel Aviv fans pulled down Palestinian flags from a building in central Amsterdam and chanted hostile slogans.

The police chief also reported that Maccabi supporters vandalized a taxi, forcing drivers to take them to a casino where about 400 of their fans had gathered.

Holla noted that on Thursday, a large group of Maccabi supporters gathered in Dam Square, leading to "brawls on both sides."

Reuters shared videos showing Maccabi fans chanting, "Ole, Ole, let the IDF win, f** the Arabs."