Dutch newspaper runs 'racist' cartoon after Morocco World Cup run

A European broadsheet appeared to imply that Morocco reached the semi-finals through cheating and underhand tactics.

2 min read

15 December, 2022

Morocco's performances have been characterised by sportsmanship and fair play [Getty images]

Leading Dutch newspaper de Volkskrant has run a derogatory cartoon slammed as "racist and Islamophobic" one day after Morocco lost to France, ending a valiant World Cup run that took them further than any African or Arab team has gone before.

The cartoon shows two "stereotyped Moroccans" speeding off into the distance after having snatched the World Cup trophy from FIFA President Gianni Infantino.

“Come on, racism against Moroccans in Europe can’t be *that* bad!”

One of the leading Dutch newspapers after the Moroccan team made history: pic.twitter.com/8SG0d7U7ff
— Farah-Silvana Kanaan (@farahkanaan) December 15, 2022

For some Moroccans living in Europe, the cartoon added insult to injury after their spirited defeat against former colonisers France.

"A day after Morocco was defeated by France in the WC Semi Finals, one of the leading Dutch newspapers published this cartoon," said Mounia on twitter.

"I am a huge supporter of free speech, however this cartoon showcases pure racism and blatant Islamophobia towards Moroccans by western mainstream media."

Readers said it appears to imply that Morocco reached the semi-finals through cheating and underhand tactics, despite consistently being applauded for their sportsmanship, stunning performances, and fair play.

Cartoons portraying Muslims and Arabs as terrorists, and depicting the Prophet Mohammed, have found a home in Dutch newspapers.

Far-right politician Gert Wilders re-launched a "[Prophet] Mohammed cartoon competition" in 2020, causing hurt in Muslim communities across Europe.

In the stadium on Wednesday, Moroccan fans chanted the Shahada - the Islamic profession of faith - in response to the presence of French president Emmanuel Macron, who is widely perceived as supporting "Islamophobic policies" at home and abroad.