Two dead, 49 injured in clashes at Moroccan soccer game

Morocco’s official news agency today said violent clashes among fans of the same soccer team in the western Moroccan city of Casablanca have left two people dead and 49 injured.

The state news agency MAP said it’s unclear why the deadly violence erupted Saturday evening after Raja Casablanca beat Chabab Rif Al Hoceima 2-1.

Raja, the second ranking soccer team in the North African country after rival Wydad Casablanca, was sanctioned today morning by the Royal Federation of Moroccan Football, which said it “deplored” the violence.

Raja and its supporters have previously been sanctioned, along with Wydad and its supporters, for repeated bouts of violence during and after matches that have left dozens injured, including police.

The team will not be allowed an audience for its next five games, and must pay a fine of 100,000 Moroccan dirhams (9,200 euros).