Violence and Hooliganism by African Supporters in Moroccan Stadiums: Unacceptable Excesses That Can No Longer Be Tolerated
What has taken place in recent months in several Moroccan stadiums goes far beyond ordinary hooliganism. The scenes of chaos, vandalism and aggression witnessed during African competitions, notably during AFCON 2025 and more recently in Safi, reflect a serious and unacceptable drift.
At nearly every major sporting event hosted by Morocco, incidents involving groups of visiting supporters have disrupted the smooth running of matches. Pitch invasions, targeted violence, attacks on security forces and damage to infrastructure are not simply the result of passion or coincidence. They reveal behavior that deliberately seeks disorder and provocation.
In Safi, during the second-leg semi-final, the scenario repeated itself with worrying brutality: clashes, injuries among security personnel and media professionals, and a match interruption. These are grave acts that undermine not only public safety but also Morocco’s image as a trusted host of major international sporting events.
Given the repeated nature of these incidents, an important question arises: why do such disturbances recur during events organized in Morocco? Why do these acts appear designed to create chaos at key moments, under the spotlight of the continent and the wider world?
Without resorting to reckless speculation, it is legitimate to question whether certain behaviors are organized and structured with the aim of disrupting these events and damaging the Kingdom’s efforts. Morocco has become a rising force in African sport, equipped with modern infrastructure and recognized expertise. That success may trouble some, and certain actors appear determined to undermine it through irresponsible actions.
Whatever the motives may be, such conduct cannot go unanswered. Morocco has the human, security and institutional means to respond. It is now essential to strengthen control measures, identify troublemakers in advance and apply exemplary sanctions without leniency.
The message must be clear: Moroccan territory is not a space for chaos. Those who come for sport are welcome. Those who come to provoke, destroy or spread violence must know they will face a firm and immediate response.
The Kingdom will continue to host major events with ambition and excellence. But that ambition must go hand in hand with an absolute requirement: guaranteeing order, security and respect for the rules. Sport should unite people, not serve as a pretext for violence.
Editorial team/le7tv
