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The BBC has corrected a Newsnight segment aired on November 8, 2024, that misrepresented events following a football match between Maccabi Tel Aviv and Ajax in Amsterdam. The segment featured an Israeli football fan discussing post-match disturbances and included a clip showing a group near Amsterdam Central Station chasing and attacking an individual. The footage initially suggested that Israeli fans were victims of violence. However, it actually depicted Maccabi Tel Aviv supporters attacking a Dutchman.
On December 23, 2024, the BBC acknowledged this misrepresentation. Dutch photographer Annet De Graaf, who filmed the footage, clarified on social media that it showed Maccabi Tel Aviv supporters as the aggressors. The BBC admitted the clip, also used in earlier BBC News Channel reports, might have misled viewers. The BBC stated that they “acknowledge that we should have been clearer about the context and that the use of the footage was intended to illustrate the general disorder. We are happy to correct the record.”
The footage sparked controversy beyond the BBC. Several major media outlets shared the video with misleading claims. For instance, The Wall Street Journal reported that Israeli soccer fans were chased and beaten in Amsterdam, characterizing the incident as antisemitic attacks. Meanwhile, Bild used a screenshot from the footage with a caption suggesting that an “Arab mob” was chasing soccer fans in Amsterdam. In reality, the video showed Maccabi Tel Aviv hooligans attacking locals near Amsterdam Central Station.
De Graaf expressed frustration over the misuse of her video, emphasizing that it was falsely circulated as evidence of attacks on Maccabi Tel Aviv fans. “My video is being circulated with claims that Maccabi fans were attacked,” she said. “In reality, this was footage of them initiating violence against a Dutchman, and the context has been completely twisted.”
Dutch teen reporter Ome Bender provided additional evidence that supported De Graaf’s account. His footage, captured from a different angle, also showed Maccabi Tel Aviv supporters threatening him to stop recording.
Social media users and De Graaf have repeatedly urged media outlets to correct their errors and provide accurate context. The incident highlights the need for responsible reporting to prevent the spread of misinformation.
Photo: AMSTERDAM, NETHERLANDS – NOVEMBER 7: Maccabi Tel Aviv fans held a pro-Israel demonstration at Dam Square, lighting flares and chanting anti-Arab and anti-Palestinian slogans ahead of their UEFA Europa League match against Ajax. Hours later, clashes broke out with pro-Palestinian citizens, during which Palestinian flags displayed in the area were removed. Several parts of Amsterdam were designated as security risk zones ahead of the match. (Credit: Mouneb Taim/AA)
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