At least two people have been arrested in Amsterdam as tension mounts ahead of the evening’s Europa League tie between Israeli side Maccabi Tel Aviv and Ajax.

Several hundred Maccabi fans had gathered on the Dam in the city centre in the afternoon, where there were also several pro-Palestine demonstrators. Two people were arrested after the afternoon skirmishes but their identity has not been made public, the Parool reported.

Several parts of the city centre have been declared “risk” zones, giving police the right to stop and search people. And on Wednesday, mayor Femke Halsema banned a pro-Palestine demonstration due to take place next to the Johan Cruijff arena because of the risk of trouble.

The police have urged people to be at the stadium well before the 9 pm kick-off because of extra security measures.

Halsema told city councillors on Thursday afternoon that there had been no legal grounds to ban Maccabi fans from attending the game. However, she said, she was “well aware” that the continuing war in Gaza has inflamed emotions in the capital.

She also urged Ajax fans to avoid any confrontation. “The police will intervene where necessary,” she said.