A police officer was knocked unconscious as clashes erupted in the heart of London after Morocco were defeated by France in the World Cup.
Footage on social media showed missiles being thrown at Met officers amid the unrest on Edgware Road.
Hundreds of people had gathered on the street on Thursday night after the quarter-final game, which saw France beat Morocco two-nil thanks to second-half goals from Kylian Mbappe and Ousmane Dembele.
Scores of officers attended the scene with police in riot gear seen forming a line across the road in a bid to restore order.
Objects were thrown at police and fireworks launched. One officer was injured when he was struck by a glass bottle.
Met Police Deputy Commissioner Matt Jukes told LBC Radio the officer was knocked unconscious but had since been released from hospital.
Footage showed a police officer lying on the ground blocked by two riot vans as they are treated by paramedics.
Moroccans riots in London and chased police officers who ain’t got riot gears on after losing to France in World Cup one police officer rushed to hospital pic.twitter.com/WKqRDFtwkg
— Zonjy (@zonjy_) July 10, 2026
Several police officers were seen attending to other people who had apparently been injured.
A person filming a video was heard saying: “They need to get the ambulance right now.”
In a statement, a Metropolitan Police spokesperson said: “One officer has been injured, and four people have been arrested following disorder in Edgware Road.
“Officers were initially called after a group of people congregated in the road and blocked traffic. The incident then escalated with the group throwing bottles and setting off fireworks. As a result, further officers were deployed to the area.
“One officer was taken to hospital for head injuries, it is believed he had been hit by a glass bottle. No other injuries were reported. Officers remained in the area and made four arrests for violent disorder, with the group dispersing and the road re-opened from around 01:00hrs.
“We will not tolerate such disorder on our streets, or attacks on our officers. A police presence will remain in the area overnight and we will be reviewing CCTV and video footage circulating on social media to ensure all those responsible are brought to justice.”
Moroccans fans riots in London after losing to France one police officer rushed to hospital hope he survived fans chased police officer who ain’t got riot gears or protective shields pic.twitter.com/auHAViPPVH
— Zonjy (@zonjy_) July 10, 2026
On Edgware Road tonight.. pic.twitter.com/fvubgCJgFf
— London & UK Street News (@CrimeLdn) July 9, 2026
Mr Jukes said police would be circulating footage as police “go after those who haven't yet been arrested and need to be."
He said the rioting was "very serious”.
On the officer who was knocked unconscious he added: "I'm really pleased to know they're doing well. Be catching up with them later."
During the unrest crowds were heard chanting the word “w*****” over and over at police, who quickly charged them in an effort to get the crowd to disperse.
Crowds were heard screaming and shouting as bangs went off amid the chaos.
Dozens of people were seen wearing red Morocco shirts.
In another clip, taken at the same location, smoke was seen coming from what appeared to be flares.
One police officer down got hit on his head Moroccans Morocco fans riot in London Edgware Road pic.twitter.com/XZVwhipLSX
— Zonjy (@zonjy_) July 10, 2026
Smoke bombs were also let off as fans faced off against police.
At one point officers seem to fall back as they come under attack from fans.
The disorder came less than a week after chaotic scenes in Edgware Road when Egypt beat Australia in the last 32 of the World Cup.
Supporters clashed with police and clambered onto vehicles - including a double-decker bus - following the country's win against Australia last Friday.
Footage on social media showed hundreds of supporters waving Egyptian flags and chanting as they poured onto the busy road.
But the scenes of jubilation turned ugly as police attempted to disperse the huge crowds.
One video showed officers clashing with some fans amid tense scenes.
The leader of Westminster council condemned Thursday night’s disorder saying he was “deeply disturbed” by the scenes.
Councillor Paul Swaddle added: “It is completely unacceptable that Metropolitan police officers appear to have been turned on by some groups and one officer injured as they were reportedly pelted with bottles.
“I condemn this behaviour and appeal to all fans to be respectful throughout the tournament.”
The violence in London on Thursday came after it was feared riots could break out in Paris after the Morocco and France game.
A French security memo had warned that trouble could kick off in a repeat of violence that followed Paris-Saint Germain’s Championship win in May.
More than 20,000 police officers were deployed across France as a whole, including 8,000 in Paris alone.
But reports are France’s capital remained peaceful, with jubilant fans taking over the streets in a huge celebration.
Riot police were deployed in Amsterdam, where video footage showed a large fire on a busy street and a person throwing a chair at a parked vehicle.
Injuries were also reported in The Hague.
Fans also reportedly marched through the streets and threw eggs at officers in Rotterdam.
Meanwhile, the UK Football Policing Unit (UKFPU) said 223 incidents related to the England-Mexico match in the early hours of Monday morning had been recorded in England and Wales.
The UKFPU said there had been six hate crime incidents, 32 incidents of domestic abuse and made 42 arrests linked to England’s dramatic victory at the Azteca stadium, for which pubs were allowed to keep serving until 5am.
