THE HAGUE, Netherlands — Morocco’s dramatic penalty shoot-out victory over the Netherlands at the FIFA World Cup sparked jubilant celebrations in The Hague on Tuesday, but the festivities later turned tense as police intervened and several arrests were made.
Thousands of Moroccan supporters took to the streets in the Schilderswijk district, an area known for its large Moroccan community, to celebrate the national team’s victory. Fans waved Moroccan flags, sounded car horns, and set off fireworks as crowds gathered at major intersections.
Supporters danced in the streets and celebrated with passing motorists, while some climbed onto vehicles amid the excitement. The atmosphere remained festive for nearly an hour as hundreds of people marked Morocco’s historic win.
However, the situation changed when riot police arrived at the scene to disperse the growing crowd. Officers deployed water cannons and carried out baton charges to restore order in the area.
Witnesses reported seeing several arrests during the police operation. Officers detained a number of young men, with some being restrained on the ground before being taken away in police vans.
Police officers on bicycles also pursued groups of youths through nearby streets in an effort to prevent further disturbances. Despite the clashes, authorities reported no significant property damage during the incident.
Many of those present declined to speak to journalists, choosing to remain anonymous. Several people in the crowd wore balaclavas or face coverings, making identification difficult.
The celebrations highlighted the strong support for Morocco within the Dutch-Moroccan community, while the clashes with police underscored the challenges authorities often face during large public gatherings following major sporting events.
