Morocco's win at World Cup reopens Lebanon's civil war wounds
Lebanon's former prime minister calls for calm amid sectarian clashes in Beirut following Morocco's win against Portugal.
BEIRUT, Lebanon — Morocco's win over Portugal has been celebrated as historic across the Arab world, but in Lebanon, it has reignited sectarian tensions in the capital Beirut.
On Monday, former Lebanese Prime Minister Fouad Siniora called for calm following a flareup in the Achrafieh neighborhood, a Christian area in the heart of Beirut.
Following Morocco’s win over Portugal on Dec. 10 in the FIFA World Cup quarterfinals, about 50 motorbike riders gathered in Sassine Square to celebrate. Young men carrying Moroccan, Palestinian and Syrian flags quickly filled the square. According to reports, they chanted religious slogans that led to clashes with locals, who took the riders for members of the Shiite Hezbollah and the Amal Movements.
In a statement, Siniora condemned the incident as the country grapples with political tensions. He appealed to lawmakers representing Beirut to ensure the rule of law and maintain calm.
