The Hague Police deploy riot squads after Morocco Africa Cup defeat
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Riot police moved into The Hague’s Schilderswijk neighborhood late tonight. It happened right after Morocco’s national team lost a heartbreaker in the Africa Cup final. The atmosphere turned sour quickly as the final whistle blew.
Around 200 people took to the streets near the Vaillantlaan and Hoefkade intersection. This wasn’t a celebration. Instead, the crowd faced off against officers in a tense standoff.
Authorities didn’t wait long to act. They sent in the Mobiele Eenheid (ME) to regain control of the streets. It’s a scene the neighborhood has unfortunately seen before.
The match itself was a nail-biter. Morocco, playing as the host country, lost 1-0 to Senegal. The deciding goal came during a high-stakes extra time period.
It’s a huge blow for the team’s fans. Tensions boiled over as heavy fireworks were thrown directly at police officers. The noise echoed through the streets of The Hague for hours.
Police eventually ordered everyone to clear the area. They made it clear that anyone staying in the Schilderswijk would face consequences. Officers worked to push the crowd back and restore order.
This isn’t the first time this week we’ve seen this kind of unrest. Just last Wednesday, police dealt with similar scenes after the semi-final against Nigeria. During those events, officers made at least one arrest.
While The Hague saw chaos, other parts of the Netherlands stayed quiet. In Amsterdam Nieuw-West, fans also gathered at Plein ’40 ’45. However, those crowds remained peaceful and no major incidents happened there.
The situation in the Netherlands often mirrors the intensity of the sport. It’s a mix of passion and frustration that sometimes spills over into the streets.
Critics often point out that a few people shouldn’t ruin the reputation of an entire fan base. Most supporters watched the game at home or in cafes without any trouble at all.
Analysts warn that these recurring incidents in The Hague put a strain on local resources. The cost of deploying riot police adds up quickly for the city.
The local impact in the Schilderswijk is immediate. Shop owners and residents now have to deal with the aftermath of the street closures. It’s a tough night for the community.
We’re still waiting to hear if anyone was arrested during the Sunday night disturbances. Police are likely reviewing camera footage to identify people who threw fireworks. It’s part of the standard follow-up after any riot situation.
The city will probably keep a close eye on the neighborhood over the next few days. It’s a tough end to a tournament that many hoped would be a point of pride. Local leaders will likely meet soon to talk about how to keep things safe in the future.