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Fez – Morocco’s security services in Oujda arrested on Wednesday 39 individuals suspected of being linked to the recent football riots following the game between MC Oujda and Casablanca’s Wydad AC.
The acts of violence and vandalism took place shortly after the game’s final whistle, leaving many people injured and causing severe material damage.
Footage of the chaos and disorderly conduct, which were widely circulated online, depicted the serious damage to both public and private property that followed the riots’ breakout.
Even Wydad AC’s players were targeted by these acts of vandalism, as the team’s bus suffered serious damage due to stone-throwing from rioters. Fortunately, both the players and the staff did not sustain any injuries.
Morocco’s judicial police swiftly reacted to the riots, intervening to disperse the clashing fans.
In a statement, the police prefecture of Oujda said that 21 of the arrested suspects were caught whilst engaging in the violent acts, which included throwing stones and sabotaging private and public properties. The remaining suspects were arrested on charges of carrying knives and drug use.
The police report went on to indicate that 69 policemen suffered injuries of varying severity during the clashes.
It also refuted rumors about the potential death of two football fans during the riots.
The security forces further noted that they are currently searching for other suspects who are presumably involved in the violent clashes.
Read also: With Football’s Return, Hooliganism and Violence Rears Its Ugly Head
After the Moroccan government decided to lift the ban on stadium attendance for football fans in February, disorderly acts and violence exponentially increased, dividing the public opinion about how to best prevent such behavior.
Several public figures and internet users have repeatedly called for harsh punishments against each individual arrested on charges of vandalism and violence.
Others have urged for the use of more positive incentives, such as rewarding clubs or fan groups that spread positive values, in a sort of carrot and stick approach.
However, disruptive conduct continues to be an issue in Moroccan stadiums, claiming the lives of innocent victims and causing severe damage to both public and private properties.
