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France’s 2-0 win against Morocco led to significant celebrations across Europe, with officials implementing strong security protocols to prevent potential disturbances. Although Paris stayed mostly calm, some disorder was noted in various Dutch cities, and violent confrontations occurred in London, resulting in a police officer being hurt.

Security forces in multiple European nations prepared for potential disturbances before Thursday night’s World Cup quarter-final match between Morocco and France, where France won 2-0, eliminating the Atlas Lions. Although significant security arrangements were made in expectation of celebrations following the game, the night varied across Europe, with Paris experiencing mostly calm conditions, some disturbances in the Netherlands, and intense confrontations in London.

Paris: High levels of security, yet festivities continue without incident

The French authorities had labeled the event as a high-risk encounter, leading Interior Minister Laurent Nuñez to state that any disturbances would be met with «zero tolerance». A significant police operation was put in place nationwide, involving approximately 20,000 officers, including thousands stationed in Paris.

However, as reported by BFM TV, the capital had a «relatively calm» night, with police stating it was «without any incidents». French and Moroccan fans celebrated together on the Champs-Élysées, while only a few isolated incidents were noted in other areas, particularly in Grenoble.

The Police Officers and Police Commissioners(SCSI) expressed gratitude to supporters from both nations, stating they had «demonstrated to the world that football can unite people without conflicts or violence» and commended the security measures for enabling the match to be «a positive representation of what our country is capable of: celebrating, safeguarding, and bringing together».

Netherlands: Preventative actions are unable to halt isolated disturbances

Dutch cities also made arrangements for major events following Morocco’s game. Authorities characterized the mood during the match as lively, yet several disturbances occurred after the final whistle.

According to NOS, eight individuals were taken into custody in Amsterdam, where fires were set and fireworks were launched at law enforcement in the Osdorp neighborhood. Officials also issued approximately 220 traffic penalties for violations such as speeding, running traffic signals, and driving on tram tracks.

In The Hague, four individuals were taken into custody for reportedly throwing glass bottles at law enforcement officers, while two additional arrests occurred in Utrecht related to causing public disturbances. Incidents involving fires were reported in the Overvecht neighborhood, and it is alleged that fireworks were thrown into an empty residence, resulting in a minor fire. In Rotterdam, officials characterized the situation as “generally quite calm,” although several streets in the city center were closed as a precautionary measure.

London: Unexpectedly violent clashes

In contrast to France, where security issues were widely expected, London was not seen as the primary target for disturbances after the match. However, the UK’s capital experienced some of the most severe violence of the night.

As reported by The Telegraph, referencing the Metropolitan Police, a law enforcement officer was taken to the hospital following an injury to the head caused by a glass bottle during confrontations on Edgware Road. At that location, groups of people obstructed traffic and then hurled bottles, firecrackers, and additional items at officers.

Law enforcement officers were sent in to bring calm, resulting in the arrest of four individuals. Photos posted on social media depicted shattered glass lying on the road, activists scaling telephone booths and streetlight posts, and fireworks being ignited as police attempted to disperse the gathering. The street was finally opened again approximately at 1 a.m.