Morocco’s dramatic penalty shootout victory over the Netherlands sparked scenes of jubilation and unrest in The Hague on Tuesday, as celebrations by supporters spilled over into clashes with police.
The Schilderswijk district, home to a large Moroccan-Dutch community, became the focal point of celebrations after Morocco secured a place in the World Cup last 16 with a dramatic victory in Monterrey, Mexico.
AFP reporters witnessed supporters draped in Moroccan flags singing, dancing and cheering in the streets, while car horns blared and fireworks lit up the night sky.
Hundreds of fans gathered at a busy junction, kicking footballs into the air and celebrating with motorists. Some climbed onto vehicles, while others leaned out of car windows waving flags and chanting as Morocco’s famous victory was celebrated.
The last-32 encounter had ended 1-1 after extra time before being decided by a tense penalty shootout. After misses from both sides, Morocco forward Ismael Saibari, who plays for Dutch club PSV Eindhoven, calmly converted the decisive penalty to send his country through to a last-16 meeting with co-hosts Canada.
For around an hour, the atmosphere remained festive before tensions escalated when riot police moved in to disperse the crowds. Officers deployed water cannon and carried out baton charges as they attempted to restore order.
AFP reporters saw around a dozen people arrested, with several young men pinned to the ground after being struck on the legs with batons before being handcuffed and taken away in police vans.
Police officers on bicycles also pursued groups of youths through the district’s narrow streets. Despite the confrontations, there were no reports of significant property damage, and authorities eventually brought the situation under control.
Many of those celebrating declined to speak to journalists. Several wore balaclavas or other face coverings, while others avoided media cameras altogether, apparently fearing identification or possible legal consequences.
The fixture carried added significance because of the close historical ties between the Netherlands and Morocco and the sizeable Moroccan diaspora living across the country. Morocco’s victory also reinforced their growing reputation as one of the surprise packages of the tournament after an impressive group-stage campaign.
For many Moroccan supporters in The Hague, the result represented not only sporting success but also a powerful expression of national pride and cultural identity.
Similar celebrations were reported in several European cities with large Moroccan communities, although the most serious confrontations with police were reported in The Hague. Dutch authorities had reportedly prepared for possible disturbances given the high-profile nature of the match and the passionate support Morocco enjoys across the country.
Attention will now turn back to the pitch as Morocco prepare to face Canada in the last 16, but the events in The Hague once again highlighted the challenges authorities face in policing large-scale celebrations during major international football tournaments.
The Moroccan Football Association had not commented on the incidents at the time of writing, with the team’s focus firmly on extending their remarkable World Cup campaign.
