France and Morocco fans clash in violent scenes as fireworks thrown and riot police deployed
Riot police were deployed across France after French supporters clashed with Moroccan fans following the World Cup semi-final between the two countries.
France booked their place in Sunday’s final against Argentina with a 2-0 win over Morocco on Wednesday night. Goals from Theo Hernandez and Randal Kolo Muani were enough to send Didier Deschamps into the limelight at the Lusail Stadium as they defend the trophy they won four years ago in Russia.
The win saw France supporters take to the streets to celebrate, but also clashed with the Moroccans in some areas. France is the former colonial ruler of Morocco and has a large Moroccan diaspora, estimated at one million people, concentrated in Paris and the Mediterranean coast.
French authorities have decided to mobilize around 10,000 police officers across the country. An incredible 5,000 of them were delegated for the Paris area.
“Our Moroccan friends, as well as French supporters, are welcome to have a party and it is not our job to prevent them from having a party… but it will have to be done under good security conditions,” French Interior Minister Gerald Darmanin said.
