Scuffles broke out on Sunday evening during a pro-Palestinian demonstration near the Concertgebouw in Amsterdam, where protesters were opposing a performance by Israeli Defence Force cantor Shai Abramson.

Police said later they had arrested 22 people, including several for possession of fireworks, public order offences and refusing to identify themselves.

Around 200 demonstrators had gathered on Museumplein, opposite the concert hall. Protestors set off smoke bombs and chanted anti-Abramson slogans, who is controversial because of his links to the Israeli army. He previously served as a commander and remains a cantor at official military events.

Most demonstrators were restricted to standing behind barriers on Museumplein itself, but 30 demonstrators were allowed to hold a silent protest at the side door of the Concertgebouw itself.

Abramson had been scheduled to perform at the annual Hanukkah concert at the Concertgebouw, but the venue asked the foundation organising the event to replace him.

The concert hall said his presence was “at odds with the mission of the Concertgebouw to connect people through music”.

The foundation refused, and a compromise was later reached under which Abramson would perform as a religious cantor at two concerts not open to the general public.

Proceeds from these concerts will be donated by the Concertgebouw to “a good cause that promotes social cohesion in the city”.

Around 200 pro-Israeli demonstrators had also gathered near the Concertgebouw earlier in the evening.