For the Soccer Moms!

From: "USCitizenServices, Amsterdam"
Date: Mon, 7 May 2007 13:58:09 +0200
Conversation: Security Notice: Soccer Celebrations in Amsterdam TODAY, May 7, 2007
Subject: Security Notice: Soccer Celebrations in Amsterdam TODAY, May 7, 2007

This Warden Message is being issued to alert U.S. Citizens traveling to and residing in the Netherlands that the Municipality of Amsterdam has informed the Consulate General in Amsterdam that it will be honoring the Ajax soccer team for winning the Dutch national football association trophy. The celebration is scheduled TODAY, May 7, 2007 from 17:00 to 20:00 hours on the Museumplein in Amsterdam. The team is expecting about 25,000 supporters to participate.

According to press reports of a similar celebration in May 2006, held on the Leidseplein in Amsterdam, the Amsterdam police arrested 44 people after roughly 300 attendees fought with each other, committed acts of vandalism, and threw bricks and beer bottles. The Amsterdam Police have informed the Consulate General that they have made preparations for today’s event and will have additional police available for crowd control.

We advise American citizens to avoid the Museumplein and surrounding areas on the evening of May 7 if possible.

As noted in the Consular Information Sheet for the Netherlands, demonstrations and other public gatherings are commonplace in the Netherlands and may range in number from a few people to several thousand. Prior police approval is required for public demonstrations, and police oversight is routinely provided. Nonetheless, situations may develop which could pose a threat to public safety. U.S. citizens are advised to avoid areas in which public demonstrations are taking place.