A 14-year-old boy met a tragic end during a clash between France and Morocco fans following the Qatar World Cup semi-final. The incident took place in Montpellier, southern France. The clash between France and Morocco in the World Cup semi-final resulted in the riots. France beat Morocco 2-0 to reach the final.
Tens of thousands of people came to Champs Elysees Avenue in Paris to celebrate France’s victory. Then the fans of both the countries clashed in the street. During the conflict, the car rushed into the street and hit the child, according to international media. The child who was seriously injured due to the impact of the thunder was immediately taken to the hospital, but his life could not be saved. The vehicle that hit the child disappeared on the street without stopping. French media reports that police are searching for the driver of the vehicle.
There are over one million people of Moroccan heritage in France. Morocco is the first African team and the first Arab team to reach the World Cup semi-finals. After Morocco lost to France by two goals to none and were eliminated in the semi-finals, the tension between the fans escalated in the streets.
Considering the tense situation, the police had strengthened the security at the place even before the match. Reports are coming out that about ten thousand policemen have been deployed in different parts of France. As the conflict escalated, the police fired tear gas. There are also reports that the police arrested about 40 people for possession of prohibited weapons and about 115 people for rioting. The video of the riot is widely circulated on social media.
Herault MP Natalee Ozial condemned the incident. She tweeted that she is saddened that a sport has ended in such a tragedy and shares the grief of the family of the slain child.
Boy killed amid clashes between France and Morocco fans in Montpellier