Riots erupted after Raja Casablanca’s match against a Nigerian club on Saturday, leading to the arrest of 110 individuals, including 55 minors, local authorities reported.
Security forces in Casablanca launched operations to curb escalating violence linked to sports hooliganism. The arrested are suspected of participating in various criminal activities, including violent attacks on public officials and vandalism.
Authorities stated that the suspects engaged in behaviors commonly associated with sports-related riots. Some of the most serious incidents involved individuals resisting law enforcement officers and throwing stones, which caused significant damage to two police vehicles.
Three police officers were injured during the clashes and were transported to a local hospital for medical treatment.
The adult suspects have been taken into custody, while the minors are being held under supervision. Both groups are currently under investigation. Meanwhile, police continue efforts to identify and apprehend others involved in the violence.
Stadium riots remain a persistent issue in Morocco. In February, violent clashes between two rival clubs in northern Morocco led to the arrest of 29 individuals, including four minors, suspected of instigating the incident in Tetouan.
A month earlier, the Casablanca police launched an investigation into violent riots sparked by football fans. Clashes between the rival clubs Raja and Wydad terrorized residents of the Bernoussi neighborhood in Casablanca.
Police reports indicate that a patrol intervened to prevent violent clashes between two rival groups of ultras in Bernoussi, with one group refusing to comply. In retaliation, a member of the group attempted to assault police officers using smoke bombs.
In response to the ongoing violence, the government announced earlier this year the creation of a committee to strengthen the ban on individuals involved in acts of violence and to establish rehabilitation programs.