Celebrations Turn to Unrest in The Hague Following Morocco’s Africa Cup Qualification
Following Morocco’s qualification for the Africa Cup final,celebrations in The Hague’s Schilderswijk neighborhood escalated into unrest on the nights of Wednesday and Thursday,January 15th and 16th,2026. Initial jubilant gatherings devolved into disturbances involving fireworks being directed at law enforcement, necessitating the intervention of riot police.
The disturbances began with celebratory gatherings on Vaillantlaan on Wednesday evening.Reports indicate that vehicles were driving through the streets with horns blaring,and numerous fans gathered,many standing on car roofs and waving Moroccan flags. Hundreds of people took to the streets to express their support for the national team.
However, the atmosphere shifted as the night progressed. Police officers, and subsequently the riot police, were targeted with fireworks and other projectiles, as confirmed by circulating video footage. Authorities responded by deploying riot police who utilized charges to disperse the crowds and restore order. The situation highlights the challenges of managing large public gatherings and preventing celebratory expressions from escalating into public disorder. Local authorities are currently assessing the extent of the damage and are investigating the incidents to ensure public safety and accountability.
Keywords:
* Primary Keyword: Schilderswijk unrest
* Secondary Keywords: Morocco Africa Cup, The Hague riots, public disorder, riot police, Vaillantlaan, football celebrations, Netherlands news, Morocco football team, Africa Cup of Nations.
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