Police clash with fans in London after France beats Morocco
Police in London and Paris responded to significant public gatherings and isolated incidents of disorder on Thursday night following France's 2-0 victory over Morocco in a FIFA World Cup quarterfinal match. The most serious incident occurred on Edgware Road in northwest London, where a Metropolitan Police officer was injured during clashes with crowds.
The match, which took place at Gillette Stadium in Foxborough, Massachusetts, ended around 11 p.m. UK time. Shortly after, large crowds gathered on Edgware Road, a known gathering point for fans. Videos shared on social media showed scenes escalating, with fireworks and flares being set off, traffic being blocked, and fans waving Moroccan flags. Police in riot gear, equipped with shields and helmets, were deployed to disperse the crowds.
During the operation, at least one police officer was seen lying on the ground receiving medical attention. The Metropolitan Police confirmed an officer was injured. Reports indicated there were some arrests, though the total number was not immediately released. Additional footage showed lines of riot police forming blockades and large police vans with flashing lights at the scene.