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According to Moroccan police, 18 people were detained for their alleged involvement in vandalism Saturday at a national soccer championship game in Khouribga, 120 kilometers from Casablanca.
The incidents occurred during a match between AS FAR of Rabat and Olympique of Khouribga, which was played on the 12th day of the Botola, the first league in Morocco. AS FAR won the match 2-0.
According to a statement from the DGSN (national police), the suspects, which included two minors, were detained following “clashes” between fans inside the stadium that turned into “stone throwing” and injured twelve police officers.
The police added that a judicial investigation had been launched, but did not say whether there had been any injuries among the spectators or if there had been any potential property damage.
The DGSN has recently reported a number of arrests for acts of violence in Moroccan stadiums, where football is a well-liked sport.
The Moroccan soccer federation revealed on Tuesday that it had punished several clubs for their actions, with penalties ranging from small fines to empty stadiums.
The upcoming World Club Championship will take place in Morocco from February 1 to February 11. Morocco made history last month when it became the first country from Africa to advance past the quarterfinals of a World Cup in Qatar.
Hooliganism frequently takes place in Moroccan stadiums, with “ultras” fighting both inside and outside the stadiums.
The authorities disbanded ultras groups to combat the phenomenon after the deaths of two fans in early 2016, even outlawing all recognizable signs (banners and slogans) in stadiums, before re-allowing their presence in 2018.
