Morocco’s World Cup victory over Spain caused celebrations and riots in the city tonight. Hundreds of delirious fans gathered in various squares earlier in the evening. The Mobile Unit intervened on Mercatorplein after heavy fireworks were thrown at aid workers and caused their destruction. Police made at least six arrests.
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Spain and Morocco were level for 120 minutes. Eventually, Morocco won on penalties, qualifying for the quarter-finals. The atmosphere at Mercatorplein was good shortly after the victory, but that changed during the evening.
Police reported on Twitter that many young people were standing in various squares. “We see young people committing criminal offences. People dance on cars and heavy fireworks are launched. Targeted fireworks are launched at aid workers, trams and buses. We are calling on the rioters to go home and continue celebrating the holiday in silence at home”.
Many fans had also gathered at Plein ’40-’45 and around Tussen Meer in Osdorp. The atmosphere was friendly.
Security risk zone
The area around Mercatorplein, Plein ’40-’45 and part of the Burgemeester de Vlugtlaan has been re-designated as a security risk area tonight. This means that everyone present can be searched by the police, for example for possession of heavy fireworks.
The decision of the triangle (mayor, police and OM) has to do with the unrest that took place after the last two matches Morocco played at the World Cup. In addition, riots broke out, especially on Mercatorplein, during which, among other things, heavy fireworks were launched. In both cases, the Mobile Unit was called upon to restore public order.
Tonight’s revelry:
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