Thousands of Morocco fans took to the streets across the Netherlands to celebrate their team's dramatic World Cup victory over the Netherlands, but festivities in several cities turned violent, leading to clashes with police and multiple arrests.
Morocco secured a 1-1 draw against the Netherlands in their Round of 32 match, eventually winning in a penalty shootout. Following the match, crowds gathered in cities including The Hague and Rotterdam. In The Hague, initial celebrations involving dancing and waving flags escalated when several hundred supporters began kicking a ball and jumping on passing cars.
Approximately one hour into the celebrations, riot police arrived on the scene. Authorities reported that officers were targeted with fireworks and stones, prompting the use of water cannons to disperse crowds. Police were seen detaining young men, with some being struck with batons. Around 10 people were arrested in The Hague.
In Rotterdam, four individuals were arrested for breach of peace and assault when fans gathered in the West-Kruiskade district. Local media reported an instance of a plant pot being thrown at officers, though it was not directly linked to the arrests.
Dutch police had increased their presence in major cities and were given wider authority to detain unruly individuals in anticipation of the match. This year marked a shift from 2018, when several Dutch cities banned public screenings of Morocco's matches due to previous street disturbances. However, the presence of the Dutch team in the tournament prevented similar bans this year.
Morocco's victory over the Netherlands came after a tense match. Cody Gakpo scored for the Netherlands in the 72nd minute, but Issa Diop equalized for Morocco in stoppage time. The match proceeded to a penalty shootout, where the Netherlands missed three penalties, leading to their elimination.
