The authorities are in a quandary over how to handle the anti-Semitism and other forms of racism and bigotry that plague soccer matches in the Netherlands and elsewhere in Europe.
It may be easier to deal with physical violence, such as the large-scale damage done to railroad coaches by traveling soccer fans, than the verbal violence from spectators in the stands.
Verbal assaults are directed against Jewish and black players and homosexual referees.
When Amsterdam’s Ajax football club takes to the field, it is greeted by a mass hissing which is supposed to signify gas escaping from the gas chambers. Because Ajax had some state Jewish players years ago, it gained the reputation of being a Jewish club, which it is not.
Black players are assaulted with so-called “jungle” noises and bananas thrown at them.
Help ensure Jewish news remains accessible to all. Your donation to the Jewish Telegraphic Agency powers the trusted journalism that has connected Jewish communities worldwide for more than 100 years. With your help, JTA can continue to deliver vital news and insights. Donate today.
The Archive of the Jewish Telegraphic Agency includes articles published from 1923 to 2008. Archive stories reflect the journalistic standards and practices of the time they were published.
