Morocco surprised soccer fans around the world with its historic run during this year’s FIFA World Cup, which has included spectacular wins over Belgium, Spain, and Portugal. On Wednesday night, the North African team’s run of sporting glory ground to a halt when the team was brought down by the mighty French in a 2-0 loss at Qatar’s al-Bayt stadium.
In Israel, frustration was vented at Morocco’s elimination from the tournament with clashes in Baqa al-Gharbiyye, a city just east of Hadera, where a French flag was set alight.
In Shu’afat, in eastern Jerusalem, a large fight among young men erupted in the streets, while in the West Bank city of Ramallah fans used chairs as weapons during violent skirmishes.
The unpleasant scenes were, sadly, expected. Ahead of the game, Israeli police were placed on high alert following similar ugly incidents when in the Negev after Morroco knocked Portugal out of the competition.
Photo DW