Morocco fans overjoyed in cities after beating Oranje; Fireworks thrown at Hague police
Fans of Morocco’s football team took to the streets in many Dutch cities after defeating the Netherlands in a penalty shootout in the World Cup. The atmosphere was largely celebratory, though in some places the gatherings ended quickly after police intervened. In The Hague, riot police began breaking up crowds and making arrests after fireworks were thrown at officers.
The match was held in Mexico, and started at 3 a.m. for football fans in the Netherlands, with many staying up to see Cody Gakpo's goal to put Oranje in front in the second half, followed by Issa Diop's 90th minute strike to send the match into extra time. Morocco took the victory on penalties, sending fans out into the streets in Amsterdam, Rotterdam, The Hague, and around the country.
Supporters honked their horns to celebrate Morocco's win in the Utrecht neighborhoods of Overvecht, Lombok, and Kanaleneiland. Similar sounds were heard from Amsterdam Nieuw-West through Amsterdam-Oost even two hours after the match ended just before 6 a.m.
In The Hague’s Schilderswijk district, hundreds of Morocco supporters gathered on the Vaillantlaan after the match. They set off fireworks, waved Moroccan flags, and drove through the area while honking car horns, according to reporters at the scene. People danced and embraced as they celebrated.
Many supporters watched the match in cafes in Schilderswijk or on outdoor screens, including near the nearby Marktweg. The street is traditionally decorated during Dutch national team tournaments. Celebrations of Morocco’s victories in Schilderswijk have become a recurring tradition. In previous years, they have also led to unrest and confrontations with police.
Police had already maintained a heavy presence in Schilderswijk during the match. Mounted officers patrolled the area. Bicycle officers were stationed at intersections along the Vaillantlaan. Police vans were placed across the neighborhood and riot police units were also on standby near a police station.
The atmosphere shifted around 6:30 a.m. Fireworks, rocks, and at least one football were thrown toward police officers, and riot police moved in shortly afterward. Officers used a water cannon to disperse the crowd on the Vaillantlaan, a main road through the neighborhood. At least one person was arrested.
The bars in Amsterdam's Rembrandtplein, and the square itself, cleared out awfully fast, according to AT5. But in Amsterdam Nieuw-West, hundreds of supporters gathered on and around Plein '40-'45. Fireworks were set off. Cars drove through the area with horns blasting.
Some supporters displayed Moroccan flags from car windows. Many had watched the match on outdoor screens or in nearby cafes. Shortly after 6:00 a.m., smoke bombs were also set off. Around that time, an estimated several hundred people had gathered at an intersection near the square. Police directed traffic through the area as celebrations continued.
In Amersfoort, supporters gathered on the Van Randwijcklaan near the De Stier roundabout, a regular post-match gathering point where disturbances have occurred before. Police closed the roundabout with police vans. Cars drove through the area honking their horns, and fireworks were set off. Officers monitored the situation from a distance.
https://nltimes.nl/2026/06/30/morocco-fans-overjoyed-cities-beating-oranje-fireworks-thrown-hague-police