Trail of vandalism in Amsterdam
Multiple windows, doors, traffic signs, walls, tram stops and a statue in Amsterdam were covered in paint and graffiti overnight. ADO Den Haag fans seem to be claiming the action on social media, the Telegraaf reports.
The vandalism was committed in green and yellow paint - the colors of football club ADO. 'JHK' was spray painted on multiple walls and tram stops. According to the newspaper, 'JHK' is short for 'Joden Hebben Kanker', or 'Jews have cancer' in English. Ajax fans are often called 'Jews', a nickname they embraced.
One of the targets of this vandalism is statue De Dokwerker - an ode to the February strike in 1941, in which tens of thousands of civilians revolted against the Naxis.
The vandalism comes ahead of a match between ADO and Ajax in The Hague on Sunday. Traditionally emotions always run high around matches between these two teams, but Sunday's match is even more tense because Ajax announced a demonstration in The Hague beforehand, according to the Telegraaf. The Ajax fans are angry at Hague mayor Pauline Krikke because she forbade them entry into ADO's stadium.
Multiple pictures of the vandalism were shared on Instagram account Awaydays. The football match on Sunday is referenced.
Many Amsterdam residents are outraged by the vandalism. The police promised to track down the perpetrators. "We are going to try and find out who did this", a spokesperson said to AT5. "Any cleaning costs can be recovered from them."
