The major cities in the Netherlands are preparing for the last time for a match from Morocco. The Moroccans will play the consolation final of the World Cup against Croatia on Saturday afternoon at 4 p.m. There was celebration at previous World Cup matches in Morocco, but there were also disturbances in several cities.
With a win against the Croats on Saturday afternoon, the Moroccans will take the bronze at the World Cup. Never before has an African country come this far at a World Cup, let alone a third place. Cities are preparing for celebration, but also for possible riots.
The municipality of Amsterdam has designated four areas as safety risk areas. The mayor has decided this after consultation with the police and the Public Prosecution Service.
It concerns the Mercatorplein, Plein ’40-’45 including part of the Burgemeester De Vlugtlaan, Between Meer and Insulindeweg/Molukkenstraat. In these areas, the police will search preventively for, for example, the possession of heavy fireworks. It is also not allowed to wear clothing that covers your face. The water cannon from Germany is also ready again.
Space in Amsterdam for spontaneous parties
The municipality emphasizes that there is room for spontaneous parties in the city on Saturday and that the achievements of the Moroccan national team can be celebrated. But there are clear limits to that, according to the municipality.
In previous matches of the Moroccan national team, it was very restless in various areas in the capital. Riots broke out and the mobile unit was called into action.
The Amsterdam police will work again on Saturday with youth workers, street coaches and neighborhood parents to prevent new disturbances.
Extra lighting and traffic measures in Utrecht
In Utrecht, part of the Lombok district has been designated as a safety risk area from 2 p.m. to 12 a.m. on Saturday. Extra lighting will also be installed in the neighborhood and traffic measures will be taken.
“The efforts of all parties involved – from the police to neighborhood fathers and from youth workers to mosque boards – are and will continue to be aimed at facilitating a party that is as beautiful and safe as possible after Morocco has won,” says the municipality of Utrecht.
Rotterdam, The Hague and Amersfoort have announced that they will proceed in the same way as in recent weeks. They do not deploy heavy resources and do not designate risk areas. There is a lot of cooperation with local parents and youth workers.
