Hakim Ziyech Criticized After Amsterdam Violence

Hakim Ziyech, a footballer for Galatasaray, has faced intense backlash following an Instagram post that appeared to mock Israeli fans attacked in Amsterdam during violent clashes involving pro-Palestinian demonstrators. The violence, which left at least ten Israelis hospitalized and led to 62 arrests, erupted after Maccabi Tel Aviv's match against Ajax, with reports of scooter gangs targeting fans. Ziyech's post included the phrase, 'If it's not women and children, then they run away,' alongside his support for Palestine, drawing condemnation from figures like Maccabi Tel Aviv striker Eran Zahavi, who called for UEFA to punish him. Amsterdam's mayor described the situation as reminiscent of historical pogroms, with the violence igniting broader conversations about anti-Semitism. In response to the unrest, Israel has dispatched rescue flights for its citizens. The incident has sparked calls for accountability and raised questions about Ziyech's comments on social media amidst the ongoing conflict.