France calls for calm as they face Morocco in World Cup match

France has asked its football fans to behave responsibly as their team gets ready to play against African champions Morocco on Thursday in a World Cup quarter-final. This comes after some past matches led to unrest.

Morocco gained independence from France in 1956. Their relationship is mostly settled now, and there are many Moroccans living in France or French citizens of Moroccan descent. Several players on Morocco’s national team were born in France and play for clubs there.

Team captain Achraf Hakimi was born in Spain but plays for Paris Saint-Germain (PSG). When France faced Morocco in the 2022 World Cup semi-final, the celebrations were mostly peaceful.

Security forces will be on high alert across France during the game, which starts at 10:00 pm (20:00 GMT) on Thursday.

“I appeal to everyone’s sense of responsibility. It has to remain a celebration,” Sports Minister Marina Ferrari told France Info broadcaster.

Interior Minister Laurent Nunez also said, “No misconduct would be tolerated.”

After PSG beat Arsenal in the Champions League final in May, Paris police arrested 225 adults. Around half of them faced charges for offences like confronting the police and causing damage, according to the city’s top prosecutor.