Morocco: more than 80 arrests after new acts of hooligans

More than 80 people, including 56 minors, were arrested after violence between groups of supporters during a match of the Moroccan Football Cup in Agadir (south), local media reported on Monday, a week after similar clashes in Rabat.

The 84 suspects are suspected of having "committed violence, possession of knives, drunkenness on public roads and causing material damage to public property" , indicated the information site Goud.

They were arrested following a match in the Throne Cup on Sunday between Hassania d'Agadir (HUSA) and FUS de Raba t, who won 3 goals to 1 at the Grand Stade d'Agadir. Seven elements of the police were injured during the fights, details the Arabic-speaking site.

In Rabat, a week earlier, another cup match had been marred by unprecedented scenes of violence which led to the arrest of 70 supporters, including 18 minors, according to the prosecution. Some 18 defendants (including eight minors) have been detained and are being prosecuted for, among other charges, "participation in acts of violence" and "damage to property of public utility" , said the same source.

In addition, the public prosecutor has decided to open an investigation into 42 suspects , also in detention and accused of heavy charges such as "constitution of a criminal gang, sabotage of equipment by means of force, robbery and attempted rape" . Finally, another investigation is also underway against 10 minors for the same charges .

For years, Moroccan stadiums have been the scene of violence between groups of supporters. Thus, clashes frequently oppose the ultras of the two big clubs of Casablanca , Wydad and Raja , including outside the stadiums.

After the death of two supporters in early 2016, the authorities had dissolved groups of ultras to fight against hooliganism , even banning any distinctive signs (slogans and banners) in stadiums. However, the authorities have again authorized the presence of ultras since March 2018.