Morocco national team coach Walid Regragui condemns the riots that took place in the Netherlands and Belgium on Sunday following their 0-2 World Cup win over Belgium. In Amsterdam, Rotterdam, The Hague and Brussels, among others, the police had to intervene.
Regragui cannot understand why people misbehaved after Morocco’s victory. “It was very difficult to watch him,” the national team coach said at a press conference on Wednesday the day before the group decider against Canada.
“You have to show respect for the country you were born in. I don’t think they are real Moroccans. Moroccans have more respect. In our culture you have to respect everyone.”
“Of course you can be happy and you can celebrate,” continued Regragui. “But you have to show respect. I disapprove of those people’s behavior.”
Morocco have four points after two matches in group F. The African country are sure of a place in the round of 16 on Thursday with a draw or a win over already eliminated Canada. The last time Morocco got this far at the World Cup was in 1986.
Regragui hopes Moroccan fans will behave themselves when qualification is a fact. “I hope everyone has fun tomorrow and we all dance and cry together afterwards. Don’t cry from sadness, but cry because we’re in the bottom sixteen.”
“Of course you can celebrate, but in a respectful way,” concluded Regragui. Morocco take on Canada on Thursday at 16:00. Leaders Croatia play against Belgium at the same time.
