Amsterdam’s mayor Femke Halsema has banned a pro-Palestine demonstration from taking place close to the Johan Cruijff stadium where Ajax will meet Israeli side Maccabi Tel Aviv in the Europa League on Thursday evening.

Halsema said she had decided to move the protest in consultation with the police and public prosecution department. The threat of violent confrontations with Ajax fans means it would not be possible to facilitate the demonstration, Halsema told city councillors.

A number of other parts of the city have also been declared “risk zones”, including the Dam, red light district, central station and the metro between the centre to the stadium.

The demonstration has now been moved to the Anton de Komplein in Amsterdam-Zuidoost.

The match, Ajax’s fourth in the competition, is due to start at 9 pm. The Amsterdammers are currently fourth in the new-look Europa League.