Morocco’s AFCON win bitter sweet due to Gaza massacre
A thriving national team decorated with stars from Europe’s top leagues, the mood in Morocco is subdued, despite easing to victory in their AFCON opener on January 17, due to the horrors taking place in Gaza, according to The New Arab and agencies.
Since the first week of October, Gaza has been pummeled by Western-backed Israel. 25,000 have been killed and over 1.6 million residents have been displaced and there seems to be no light at the end of the tunnel.
In what has been an Africa Cup of Nations filled with surprises, Morocco did not experience such a shock and convincingly beat 10-man Tanzania 3-0 in San Pedro.
Morocco were 1-0 up at the interval and scored twice in the second half following Tanzanian midfielder Novatus Miroshi’s red card in the 70th minute.
Despite the Atlas Lions being exciting to watch and being the favourites in this edition of the AFCON in Ivory Coast, Moroccans, who are deeply passionate when it comes to football, seem to only have one thing on their mind, Israel’s bellicose actions in Gaza.
Morocco fan Ahmed, who watched the country’s opening game in a cafe in capital Rabat, said, “It’s hard to go chanting and dancing into the streets while we know our brothers in Gaza are being bombed daily,”
It is no secret that Morocco and the Maghreb region more generally are staunchly pro-Palestinian and demonstrations in solidarity with the people of Gaza have taken place all around the region over the past three months.
READ: Moroccan civilians petition against Israel ties with Morocco
Moroccans have reiterated calls to completely cease having ties with Israel however the stubborn King Mohammed VI is not looking to back down any time soon.
Solidarity with Palestine has also been seen at football games in the kingdom. Recently, Moroccan topflight side Wydad AC’s “ultras” group paid a moving tribute to Al Jazeera journalist Wael Al-Dahdouh, who’s eldest son was killed in Khan Younis, Gaza, during their game against Maghreb de Fes. The vocal supporters acknowledged the dedicated reporter’s bravery as well as singing pro-Palestinian chants.
A banner from the group read, “With his (Al-Dahdouh) family, he redeems the homeland, and there is no consolation for those who betray,” Raja Casablanca’s ultras have also made numerous tributes to Palestine since the escalation of tensions between Gaza and Israel.
It is not exclusively North African football fans who are highlighting the tragedies in Gaza. Earlier this month, Iranian Press TV gave attention to Scottish champions Celtic FC’s famous ultras group, The Green Brigade.
Known for their hard-left political views, the group always fly the Palestinian flag at matches and have in the past few months been at loggerheads with the club’s board.
The fan group was banned by the club for a period of two months and was back in their usual section on December 23. The Green Brigade cited their hardcore support for Palestine, notably during a game against Spanish giants Atletico Madrid, as the main factor for the lockout from home and away matches.
Historically, the group have done a lot of charity work for the people in Gaza and are in close contact with some living in the besieged enclave.
The New Arab/ Reuters/ Middle East Eye
