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Daily Mirror
Daily Mirror
Sport
Kieran King

World Cup 2022: Ticketless fans attempted to get into stadium for Morocco vs Portugal

Hundreds of ticketless fans tried to force their way into the World Cup quarter-final between Morocco and Portugal.

There were thousands of empty seats around the stadium at kick-off as fans with tickets were, it's claimed, prevented in getting into the ground by those without a seat. This is the first time Morocco have ever played in the last eight of a World Cup after beating Spain in the last round on penalties.

There were supporters trying to sneak into the ground without a ticket for the last eight clash. ITV reporter Angus Scott, via presenter Seema Jaswal, said: "There are hundreds of ticketless fans trying to get into the stadium right now, which means that people with tickets are struggling to get in."

Around the 15-20 minute mark, many Morocco fans with tickets, who were unable to get in in time for kick-off, were able to finally begin to fill out the stadium.

This isn't the first time a Morocco game has been affected by ticketing issues. Ahead of their game against Spain, trouble was present outside the stadium as fans tried to get in, with Qatari riot police and security filmed pushing a crowd of supporters alongside a chain-link fence.

It is unclear what caused the issues but a video posted on social media showed officials shouting "get back" as they moved fans away from an entrance to the stadium. Some fans could be heard screaming, with images showing women and children caught up in the incident.

There were initial claims, made without firm evidence, that ticketless supporters had been attempting to get into the stadium. Later footage showed some fans with tickets being allowed through a checkpoint - and this was a similar theme before Morocco's clash with Portugal in Qatar.

Eventually Morocco fans with tickets were able to get in and make a raucous atmosphere (AFP via Getty Images)

Morocco fans have been praised for the atmosphere they have created at the tournament so far. In the penalty shootout win over Spain, there was a huge representation of Morocco supporters inside the Education City Stadium - and they didn't disappoint by displaying a raucous atmosphere throughout the game.

Behind both sets of goals, masses of Moroccans belted out the national anthem and were spotted roaring as their team attacked and went forward. But they weren't just getting behind Walid Regragui's men. Morocco supporters whistled loudly and booed every time Spain had the ball, something that has been present at each of their matches. They did the same to Croatia, Belgium and Canada, and it certainly helped as they topped the group.

Meanwhile, there aren't as many Portugal fans in Qatar but they are also making their voices heard. Upon Cristiano Ronaldo's introduction against Switzerland on Tuesday, there were thousands of fans chanting for the five-time Ballon d'Or winner and it was a special moment for the player who was dropped for the game.

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