Maresca: Mudryk to ‘disconnect’ amid drug probe​​

An Amsterdam District Court Tuesday sentenced five men to up to six months in prison on Tuesday for violence that erupted around a UEFA Europa League match between the Dutch side Ajax and Israel’s Maccabi Tel-Aviv in November.

The riots, which caused an international outcry, left five people in hospital and 20 others with minor injuries.

More than 60 people were detained.

The court on Tuesday sentenced one man to 6 months in prison, another to two-and-a-half months and two to one month in jail.

A fifth defendant received 100 hours of community service.

A series of violent incidents took place between pro-Palestinian demonstrators and Israeli football fans around the match.

Some of the violence was condemned as antisemitic, with Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu offering to evacuate Maccabi supporters. The violence, which garnered headlines worldwide, damaged Amsterdam’s reputation as a beacon of tolerance and a haven for persecuted religions, including Jews.

“It seems that the violence arose from strong pro-Palestine sentiments and dissatisfaction with the situation in Gaza, and related anger against the Israelis present,” the prosecutors’ office said in a statement at the conclusion of hearings two weeks ago.

The five defendants, who are all Dutch residents and aged between 19 and 32, were accused of public violence, theft and assault.

The Nov. 8 game was allowed to go ahead after the Netherlands’ counterterror watchdog found there was no “concrete threat” to Israeli fans, and the match wasn’t considered a high risk.

Even so, Amsterdam authorities banned a pro-Palestinian demonstration outside the Johan Cruyff Arena.

According to an investigation, the day before the game the authorities reported several incidents, including Israeli fans tearing a Palestinian flag from an Amsterdam building and attacking a taxi.

Six more suspects will have their trials at a later date, including three minors. Under Dutch rules, proceedings for juveniles are held behind closed doors. Police are continuing to investigate the violence and have released images of several suspects they want to identify.

LAFC signed striker Jeremy Ebobisse to a three-year contract with an option for 2028.

The 27-year-old free agent has tallied 60 goals and 18 assists in 198 MLS matches over eight seasons with the Portland Timbers (2017-21) and San Jose Earthquakes (2021-24).

“Jeremy is a proven forward in our league who has scored goals and been a meaningful contributor to his teams throughout his career,” LAFC co-president and general manager John Thorrington said.

“We are incredibly excited to welcome Jeremy to strengthen our attack as we continue in our ambitions to compete for multiple trophies in 2025. We know Jeremy will be a great addition to LAFC on and off the field.”

Ebobisse scored double-digit goals in three seasons: 17 in 2022, 11 in 2019 and 10 in 2023. He helped Portland win the MLS is Back Tournament in 2020.

Valencia have named Carlos Corberan as head coach on a two-and-a-half year deal following the Spaniard’s departure from West Bromwich Albion, the struggling LaLiga club said.

Corberan spent three years at Leeds United as their under-23 coach and as a member of Marcelo Bielsa’s backroom staff, before becoming Huddersfield Town manager in 2020.

The 41-year-old, who has since coached Olympiacos and West Brom, also previously played for Valencia’s youth team.

“Carlos Corberan becomes the new Valencia CF coach until 2027,” Valencia said in a statement on Tuesday.

“The club has informed West Bromwich Albion FC of the execution of the exit option stipulated in his contract to leave the English club.”

Corberan posted a statement thanking the English club and their fans.

“I cannot begin to explain how I feel about West Bromwich Albion, its fans and everyone associated with the club,” it read.

“In my more than two years here I have only felt love from this community and the decision to leave has been the hardest of my life. There will always be a place in my heart for this special club and I hope one day I can return to thank you all for your incredible support.”

Corberan replaces Ruben Baraja, who was sacked on Monday with Valencia second from bottom in the standings on 12 points with only two wins in 17 league games and four points from the safety zone.

The club’s Singaporean owner Peter Lim continues to face significant protests from fans.

Lim acquired then debt-ridden Valencia in 2014 but has not been a popular figure, with the club having regularly been forced to sell their top players to reduce the club’s high debts while not making significant signings to strengthen the squad.

Valencia, who have a match in hand, next play second-placed Real Madrid at home on Jan. 3, a rescheduled game after the original fixture was postponed due to flooding last month.