Water Cannons Deployed as Celebrations Turn Violent
Riot police were forced to use water cannons in The Hague as fans clashed following Morocco's dramatic penalty shootout victory over the Netherlands in the World Cup. The match, which ended 1-1 after extra time, saw Morocco win 4-2 on penalties, eliminating the Dutch side.
In the early hours of Tuesday morning, Morocco's 400,000-strong community in the Netherlands erupted in celebrations, with car horns and fireworks sounding across major cities including Amsterdam and Utrecht. However, the festive atmosphere was marred by disorder.
Police Pelted with Fireworks and Stones
In The Hague's Schilderswijk district, a large police presence had been stationed ahead of the match. Local authorities confirmed that officers were 'pelted with fireworks and stones' before riot police moved in. A water cannon was deployed as arrests were carried out, with the situation described as a 'cat-and-mouse game' between supporters and police.
One vehicle came under attack as someone jumped onto the car's roof before the driver managed to escape. In Utrecht, police intervened after 'hooded individuals' overturned safety barriers, creating a 'dangerous situation' for commuters.
Chaos in Amsterdam and Rotterdam
Amsterdam was described as being in 'chaos', while Rotterdam's West-Kruiskade neighbourhood required evacuation after more than two hours of celebrations. Police issued warnings via megaphone on several occasions before deploying arrest units. Order was restored by 8:30 a.m. across all locations.
Match Drama and Criticism of Koeman
Cody Gakpo appeared to have secured victory for the Netherlands before Issa Diop scored a 91st-minute equalizer. In the penalty shootout, Justin Kluivert, Quinten Timber, and Crysencio Summerville all missed from the spot, sending Morocco through.
Manager Ronald Koeman faced fierce criticism after the defeat. Zlatan Ibrahimovic told FOX Sports: 'This defeat is Koeman's fault, because I didn't recognise this Dutch team. He lost with an identity that is not the Dutch identity. That makes me angry. I was always taught: attack, attack, attack. This is not the Dutch identity.'
Ibrahimovic added: 'Today, Koeman looked like an Italian coach playing not to lose, whereas the Netherlands always plays to win. If you lose, at least lose with your own identity and don't change it.'
