Watch: Morocco fans clash with police in London after World Cup exit; Paris remains calm after France’s victory

Dramatic clashes broke out between Morocco fans and the police in London. (Download Video) Morocco’s World Cup dream ended with another defeat to France, but the off-pitch fallout quickly attracted global attention as dramatic clashes broke out between fans and police in London, while Paris remained largely calm 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 tournament after also ending their fairytale run in the 2022 semi-finals.As celebrations and disappointment spilled 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, fireworks and bottles were thrown at police lines. Police officers carrying shields and batons tried to disperse supporters, while one clip showed a policeman lying injured on the road receiving help.Another video showed several policemen knocking a man to the ground before surrounding him, while elsewhere traffic was stopped as supporters waved Moroccan flags and climbed onto vehicles.Some moments were less confrontational, with Morocco fans seen juggling a soccer ball in the middle of the street before police confiscated it.According to reports, at least one police officer was injured during the riots.The scenes also sparked political backlash, with several commentators criticizing the riots and calling for tighter policing.

Paris avoids repeating previous riots

The atmosphere across the English Channel proved significantly different.French authorities have deployed more than 8,000 police across Paris amid fears that a French victory could spark violence similar to the riots that followed Paris Saint-Germain’s Champions League celebrations earlier this year.Instead, fans of both France and Morocco celebrated largely peacefully despite traffic disruptions around iconic venues including the Champs-Élysées.Cars carrying French and Moroccan flags honked their horns as fans celebrated together, reflecting the close ties between the two nations, with France home to one of the world’s largest Moroccan diaspora communities.Meanwhile, in the Moroccan capital of Rabat, 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 leave the competition having become the first African nation to reach multiple World Cup quarter-finals, adding another milestone after becoming the continent’s first semi-finalist in 2022.

Earlier celebrations in The Hague also turned violent

Thursday’s riots in London came just days after Moroccan supporters clashed with police in The Hague following their dramatic round of 16 victory over the Netherlands.Thousands of fans gathered in the Dutch district of Schilderswijk to celebrate Morocco’s penalty shootout triumph, 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 crowds, while authorities confirmed several arrests for public violence.

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Share an opinionWhile Morocco’s remarkable World Cup run finally ended against France, the tournament has once again highlighted the passion the Atlas Lions inspire across Europe – celebrations that have spilled beyond football and into public unrest on more than one occasion.