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Rabat – Some French politicians have criticized the way Moroccans’ celebrated their national football team’s win. While some have claimed to oppose riots and violence that occasionally take over the celebrations, others used the event to fuel their racist and anti-immigrant rhetoric.
“A Moroccan flag hoisted on the annex town hall of Amiens,” Gilbert Collard, who serves in the European Parliament and was a member of the far-right National Rally party, said on Twitter. “This symbol of taking possession of our country is unbearable.”
One contributor on television channel CNews said that hatred for France is the “fruit of multicultural, multi-ethnic societies.”
Moroccans across the world took to the streets to revel in the national football team’s win against Portugal on Saturday. While some isolated incidents of violence and vandalism occurred, most celebrations were described as civil and happy.
France especially witnessed a large number of celebrations, as the country hosts a large Moroccan diaspora. Moroccans received the most residency permits for France in 2022, totaling over 35,000 permits.
With Saturday’s win, Morocco became the first African and Arab country to make it to a World Cup semi-final, catching the attention of everyone in the world.
The Atlas Lions will play reigning champions France on Wednesday, and will attempt to make history and grab a place in the final to compete for the most prestigious trophy in football.
