The Lebanese capital Beirut was the scene on Saturday of clashes between a convoy of motorcyclists celebrating the qualification of the Moroccan national team for the semi-finals of the 2022 World Cup in Qatar and residents of the Christian Al Achrafiya district. Fearing an escalation of tension, former Lebanese Prime Minister Fouad Siniora called on all political leaders, including MPs representing Beirut, to ensure unity and security in the capital.
Several media sources reported that the tensions began when “dozens of people celebrating Morocco’s victory over Portugal in the World Cup arrived in the region on motorbikes carrying the flags of Morocco, Palestine and Syria and chanting religious slogans”. Clashes then broke out between these motorcyclists and local residents who “wrongly” thought they were members of Hezbollah or the Shiite “Amal” movement. The Lebanese army was then deployed to contain the situation.
Fouad Siniora described what happened as “disturbing and suspicious at a time of national and political turmoil at all levels”. “The capital of Lebanon is Beirut, the only unified city that brings together all Lebanese, and everyone should be aware of the traps set and the bad intentions,” he warned.
The incident has unfortunately led to an escalation of bigoted rhetoric on social media, amid calls for restraint.