Celebrations and arrests in NL as Morocco beat Spain

Celebrations in Amsterdam. Photo ANP Nieuwsfoto.nl
Celebrations in Amsterdam. Photo ANP Nieuwsfoto.nl

Riot police broke up crowds of supporters celebrating Morocco’s win over Spain at the World Cup in several Dutch cities on Tuesday night.

Although the mood was largely positive, some fans threw fireworks at police and public transport had to be diverted because of the crowds. Any problems were over by 10pm.

In The Hague, three people were arrested after the police urged a crowd in the Schilderswijk to go home.

In Amsterdam, there were six arrests as a large group gathered on the Mercatorplein. ‘They were dancing on cars and setting off fireworks. Fireworks were also thrown at the emergency services, trams and buses,’ the city’s police said.

In Rotterdam, 35 people were arrested for throwing fireworks, refusing to show ID, threatening behaviour and other public order offences, police said. One person was arrested in Utrecht.

Morocco joins the Netherlands in the quarter finals after beating Spain on penalties.

Note: this article was updated on Tuesday evening to reflect updated arrest figures.

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