Rioters linked to protests after France-Morocco match to stand trial
France is prosecuting the rioters that had took to the streets following their country's win over Morocco in the World Cup semi-finals.
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Police in riot gear were also called to disperse crowds in Paris after France's win over Morocco
Seven far-right activists detained during riots in Paris in light of the 2022 FIFA World Cup semifinal match between France and Morocco three days ago will stand court on Saturday, the BFMTV broadcaster reported, citing the prosecutor's office.
Reportedly, the defendants are part of a far-right group comprised of around 40 members who had been arrested for carrying knives and "intending to cause unrest", as well as pick a fight" with Moroccan fans.
One of those detained happens to be a leader of the Zouaves Paris far-right group. Marc de Cacquray-Valmenier, 24, was previously arrested for his violent behavior during a rally staged by former far-right French presidential candidate and head of the Reconquete party Eric Zemmour back in 2021.
A total of 26 people are still in custody, with only 12 released. Six activists were placed on civil rights and obligations probation and prohibited from entering the French capital.
According to Le Monde newspaper, 266 people were detained after the Wednesday game across France, with 167 in Paris alone.
Disappointment hit Moroccans on Wednesday after their team's semi-final defeat to France, but nothing could efface the feeling of pride in an outstanding World Cup performance that spurred tears of joy across Africa and the Arab world.
As France scored the second goal, Al-Bayt Stadium suddenly went quiet, echoing a sheer silence that trespassed Rabat and Casablanca and landed in Beirut, Cairo, and Dakar.
France defeated Morocco 2-0 on Wednesday to advance to the World Cup championship game against Argentina on Sunday at Lusail Stadium.
After Morocco failed to clear their lines in the fifth minute, Theo Hernandez gave the reigning champions the lead, and replacement Randal Kolo Muani increased their advantage in the 79th minute.
Check out: Morocco celebrate making history in World Cup
Morocco then went on to face Croatia for third place, a bid met by failure after a loss to the team that had made it to the finals in the last World Cup.
Croatia's Josko Gvardiol scored the opener in the seventh minute, though the Croats only had the upper hand for two minutes as Morocco's Achraf Dari scored a goal in the ninth minute that brought the score to a tie that lasted nearly throughout the first half.
Mislav Orsic scored the decisive goal in the 42nd minute, and there was no response from the Atlas Lions for the remainder of the game.
Gvardiol, 20, became the youngest goalscorer of the Croatian national team at the World Cup, surpassing Ivica Olic.
