Local authorities in the city of Khouribga have decided to ban the transfer of fans from Beni Mellal to support their team in Saturday’s match at the Phosphate Stadium, citing concerns over public safety.
This decision was made by Khouribga authorities based on a decree issued by Khattib El-Habib, the governor of the Beni Mellal-Khenifra region, prohibiting the transfer of Beni Mellal fans to Khouribga to support their team, which will face Olympic Khouribga on Saturday as part of the 18th round of the Botola Pro 2.
The match between the two teams held last September at Beni Mellal’s eastern stadium witnessed violent confrontations between the supporters, leading to the arrest of thirty-one individuals, including eight minors, suspected of involvement in acts of sports-related violence, damage to public and private property, possession of fireworks, and violence against public officials.
A police statement issued at the time reported that the suspects vandalized public and private facilities and hurled stones at law enforcement officers, resulting in injuries of varying severity.
Authorities attributed this decision to ministerial directives aimed at combating hooliganism in sports stadiums, as well as the resurgence of some ultras groups engaging in violence following certain matches.
Additionally, it follows a security meeting held by law enforcement agencies two days ago.