Moroccan Police Arrest 136 Following Violence at AS FAR and Raja Casablanca Clash
Authorities in Rabat have detained 136 individuals following outbreaks of violence and vandalism during a high-stakes Botola Pro match between AS FAR and Raja Casablanca. The unrest occurred at the Prince Moulay Abdellah Stadium, overshadowing a critical fixture in the Moroccan professional league’s title race.
The match, held on Thursday, April 30, 2026, ended in a 2-1 victory for AS FAR. While the result on the pitch tightened the race for the championship, the events surrounding the stadium sparked widespread condemnation and calls for stricter security regulations across Moroccan football.
Chaos at Prince Moulay Abdellah Stadium
Despite reinforced security measures deployed by Rabat authorities ahead of the fixture, riots erupted as fans clashed. The violence resulted in significant vandalism and disorder, prompting a massive police response. According to reports, the Moroccan police intervened to restore order, ultimately placing 136 people in custody.
The Prince Moulay Abdellah Stadium, a primary venue for Morocco’s largest sporting events, became the epicenter of the unrest. Social media platforms were flooded with footage of the riots, leading to a public outcry regarding the safety of spectators and the recurring nature of stadium violence in the Botola Pro.
Match Breakdown: AS FAR 2-1 Raja Casablanca
On the pitch, the match was a tightly contested “Clásico” that remained deadlocked at 0-0 through the first half. The game opened up in the second period, with AS FAR securing the win through two goals: one from A. Hadraf in the 52nd minute and another from R. Slim in the 65th minute. Raja Casablanca managed to pull one back via A. Ennaffati in the 78th minute, but it was not enough to salvage a point.
The victory is a pivotal moment for AS FAR, who now move into second place in the league standings with 35 points. For Raja Casablanca, the loss is a setback in their pursuit of the title, adding the sporting disappointment to the chaos of the matchday experience.
Key Match Statistics
- Final Score: AS FAR 2, Raja Casablanca 1
- AS FAR Goals: A. Hadraf (52′), R. Slim (65′)
- Raja Casablanca Goal: A. Ennaffati (78′)
- Venue: Prince Moulay Abdellah Stadium, Rabat
- Date: April 30, 2026
Broader Implications for the Botola Pro
This incident is not an isolated event, but rather a symptom of ongoing tensions between rival supporters in the Moroccan league. The scale of the arrests—136 individuals—highlights the severity of the clashes and the determination of the state to crack down on hooliganism.
For global observers, these events occur as Morocco continues to elevate its sporting infrastructure and profile on the world stage. The contrast between the modern facilities of the Prince Moulay Abdellah Complex and the volatility of the crowds presents a significant challenge for the league’s administration and the Royal Moroccan Football Federation.
The “Clásico” nature of the AS FAR and Raja Casablanca rivalry often amplifies the intensity of these fixtures. When combined with the pressure of a tightening title race, the atmosphere can quickly shift from passionate support to aggression.
The Path Forward
The Moroccan authorities and league officials are now facing pressure to implement more robust preventative measures. Discussions among citizens and sports analysts suggest that simply increasing police presence may not be enough; there are growing demands for systemic changes in how tickets are managed and how ultras are monitored.
As the Botola Pro enters its final stages, the focus will remain on whether the league can ensure that the determination for the trophy does not lead to further violence in the stands.
The next official update regarding the legal status of the 136 detainees is expected from the Rabat prosecutor’s office. Meanwhile, both AS FAR and Raja Casablanca will look to refocus on their upcoming league fixtures as the title race intensifies.
Do you think stricter bans on ultras are the answer to stadium violence, or is a different approach needed in the Botola Pro? Share your thoughts in the comments below.
