Watch: Morocco fans clash with police in London after World Cup exit; Paris remains calm after France wins | Football News
in Morocco FIFA World Cup The nightmare ended with another defeat for France, but the fall on the pitch quickly caught global attention as dramatic clashes broke out between fans and police in London, while Paris remained calm despite fears of widespread riots.France beat Morocco 2-0 in Thursday’s quarter-finals, knocking the Atlas Lions out of the World Cup for the second straight tournament after also ending their fairytale run to the 2022 semi-finals.As celebrations and frustration poured into the streets, London’s Edgware Road became the scene of chaotic confrontations, with riot police deployed to contain large crowds.Videos circulating on social media showed officers in riot gear advancing through smoke-filled streets as flares, firecrackers and bottles were thrown at police lines. Riot officers carrying shields and batons tried to disperse the supporters, while a clip appeared to show an officer lying injured in the street receiving help.Another video showed several officers tackling a man to the ground before surrounding him, while traffic elsewhere came to a standstill as supporters waved Moroccan flags and boarded vehicles.Some moments were less confrontational, with Morocco fans seen juggling a football in the middle of the road before police confiscated it.According to reports, at least one policeman was injured during the disturbance.The scenes also prompted political reactions, with many commentators denouncing the riots and calling for tighter surveillance.
Paris has avoided a repeat of previous chaos
The atmosphere across the English Channel is very different.French authorities have deployed more than 8,000 police across Paris amid concerns that France’s win could spark violence similar to the chaos seen after Paris Saint-Germain’s Champions League celebrations earlier this year.However, France and Morocco supporters celebrated largely peacefully despite traffic disruptions around iconic locations including the Champs-Élysées.Cars carrying French and Moroccan flags honked their horns as fans celebrated together, showing the close ties between the two countries, where France is home to one of the largest Moroccan diaspora communities in the world.Meanwhile, in Rabat, Morocco’s capital, the mood turned from pre-kick-off optimism to disappointment after the Atlas Lions bowed out as the last African nation left in the tournament.Despite the defeat, Morocco left the competition having become the first African country to reach multiple World Cup quarter-finals, adding another milestone after becoming the continent’s first semi-finalist in 2022.
The first celebrations in The Hague also turned violent
Thursday’s riot in London came just days after Moroccan supporters clashed with police in The Hague following their dramatic Round-of-16 win over the Netherlands.Thousands of fans gathered in the Schilderswijk district of the Dutch city to celebrate Morocco’s victory in the penalty-shootout, but the celebrations turned violent after heavy fireworks were set off and officials were attacked with stones and pyrotechnics.Dutch riot police responded with water cannons and charges to disperse the crowd, while authorities confirmed several arrests for public violence.As Morocco’s extraordinary World Cup journey finally ended against France, the tournament once again highlighted the love the Atlas Lions inspired across Europe – celebrations that, on more than one occasion, spilled over beyond football and into public unrest.
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