Moroccan fifa world cup The dream ended with yet another defeat to France, but the off-field fallout soon attracted global attention, with dramatic clashes between London fans and police erupting, while Paris remained largely peaceful despite fears of widespread unrest.France beat Morocco 2-0 in the quarter-finals on Thursday to knock the Atlas Lions out of the World Cup for the second consecutive time and end their fairytale run at the 2022 semi-finals.London’s Edgware Road became the scene of chaotic clashes as celebrations and frustration spilled into the streets, with riot police deployed to control large crowds.Videos circulating on social media showed officers in riot gear marching through smoke-filled streets as some hurled flares, fireworks and bottles at police lines. Riot police carrying shields and batons tried to disperse supporters, while a video appeared to show an injured police officer lying on the road receiving aid.Another video showed several police officers pushing a man to the ground and then surrounding him, while traffic elsewhere came to a standstill as supporters waved Moroccan flags and climbed onto vehicles.There were moments that were less confrontational, with Moroccan fans playing with a football in the middle of the street before police confiscated it.At least one police officer was reportedly injured during the riot.The scenes also sparked political reactions, with some commentators criticizing the riots and calling for greater policing.
Paris avoids repeat of previous riots
The atmosphere across the English Channel proved decidedly different.French authorities deployed more than 8,000 police officers across Paris, fearing France’s victory could trigger riots similar to those seen after Paris Saint-Germain’s Champions League celebrations earlier this year.Instead, supporters in France and Morocco celebrated largely peacefully, despite traffic disruptions around iconic locations such as the Champs Elysées.Cars flying French and Moroccan flags honked their horns as fans celebrated together, reflecting the close ties between the two countries, with France home to one of the largest Moroccan diaspora communities in the world.Meanwhile, in the Moroccan capital of Rabat, the mood swung from pre-kick-off optimism to disappointment after the Atlas Lions bowed out as the last African team remaining in the World Cup.Despite the defeat, Morocco exited the competition and became the first African country to reach the quarter-finals of the World Cup multiple times, adding another milestone after becoming the continent’s first semi-finalist in 2022.
Early celebrations in The Hague also turned violent
Thursday’s riots in London come just days after Moroccan supporters clashed with police in The Hague following their dramatic last-16 win over the Netherlands.Thousands of fans gathered in the Dutch city of Hildeswijk to celebrate Morocco’s penalty shootout victory, but the celebrations turned violent after massive fireworks were set off and police were attacked with rocks and fireworks.Dutch riot police used water cannons and charges to disperse crowds, and authorities confirmed several arrests for public violence.While Morocco’s remarkable World Cup run ended against France, the event once again highlighted the enthusiasm that the Atlas Lions inspire across Europe – celebrations that have more than once transcended football and sparked public chaos.
