Moroccan football fans clashed with police and engaged in street brawls in London following the country's World Cup quarter-final exit. The disorder occurred along Edgware Road in central London after France defeated Morocco 2-0 in their match.
Social media footage depicted flares being ignited and projectiles, including shisha pipes and chairs from a nearby restaurant, being thrown at officers. The Metropolitan Police reported that four individuals were arrested for violent disorder. One police officer was transported to the hospital with head injuries, sustained after reportedly being struck by a glass bottle.
Additional officers, including riot police equipped with shields and helmets, were deployed to the area to manage the situation. Police stated that officers were initially dispatched due to a group blocking traffic. The incident escalated with the group throwing bottles and setting off fireworks, leading to the deployment of further police.
Restaurants' furniture was seen being used as projectiles. One clip showed dozens of officers moving up Edgware Road near Marble Arch station.
The Metropolitan Police confirmed that no other injuries were reported and that the road was reopened around 1 a.m. The force stated its commitment to reviewing CCTV and social media footage to identify and apprehend all those responsible for the disorder and attacks on officers. A police presence remained in the area overnight.
Paul Swaddle, leader of Westminster City Council, expressed his dismay at the scenes of disorder, calling the attacks on police officers completely unacceptable and condemning the behavior. He appealed to all fans to remain respectful throughout the tournament.
This incident follows a previous disturbance on Edgware Road where fans celebrating Egypt's World Cup victory over Australia clashed with police, climbed onto a bus, and halted traffic. During that event, police were seen wrestling with fans, and a 41-year-old man was taken to the hospital after a hit-and-run incident amidst the crowd.