Rabat – Morocco’s General Directorate of National Security (DGSN) announced the details of the disorder that accompanied the Casablanca derby in a press release on Sunday, November 24.
Fans of Wydad Athletic Club and Raja Casablanca put on a spectacular display in the stands of the Mohammed V Stadium during the match on Saturday, November 23. The colorful smoke shows, flags, well-choreographed tifos, and chants were almost as captivating as the game itself.
The match that ended in a 4-4 draw after an impressive comeback by Raja, however, did not come without its fair share of turbulence.
Casablanca police mobilized 3,595 agents to maintain peace at the derby, a game that welcomed more than 50,000 spectators.
#مباراة_الديربي_البيضاوي
تغطية أمنية مكثفة، تشارك فيها جميع التشكيلات والوحدات الأمنية، لضمان الأجواء الآمنة لمباراة الديربي البيضاوي. pic.twitter.com/1qvwxABt4M— DGSN MAROC (@DGSN_MAROC) November 23, 2019
DGSN reported that police apprehended 782 unaccompanied minors who were trying to illegally enter the stadium.
Police also arrested 36 people for their alleged involvement in vandalism, stone-throwing, and destruction of public and private property. Police placed 15 minors under surveillance for the same charges.
Casablanca’s security services took nine people into custody for various offenses such as possession of drugs, theft, indecent assault, and public drunkenness.
Police also seized several knives, stones, and smoke bombs during arrests at the derby.
According to the DGSN statement, officers also seized a bottle of sulfuric acid during the arrests. Sulfuric acid is a corrosive acid and causes severe burns, scarring, tissue damage, and even death when it comes in contact with human skin. Contact with the eyes can cause permanent blindness.
Five police officers sustained minor injuries during the derby, and one senior peace officer suffered a fracture of the shoulder.
Vandals damaged seven law enforcement vehicles and six privately-owned vehicles.
Fortunately, no serious spectator injuries have been reported.
