Morocco Coach Slams Fan Behavior Towards Player in CAN Qualifier Win

Walid Regragui is unhappy with Moroccan supporters. The origin of this discontent is the smear campaign that the central defender of Wydad Athletic Club, Jamal Harkass, was the victim of during the national team match against the Central African Republic at the Oujda stadium. A part of the spectators present in the stadium booed the player. Such behaviors do not serve the interest of the national team, stressed the coach of the Moroccan national team, calling on supporters to support the players and stand behind them, regardless of their affiliation to a club.

When the player wears the national team jersey, he represents all Moroccans, and therefore, he must receive the support and encouragement of everyone, Regragui explained. "The player wears the national jersey, and we must overcome any problem that could be related to his relationship with one of the clubs," he specified, stressing the importance of providing support and encouragement to new players joining the national team, like Jamal Harkass. Also, he added that the players need time to adapt and integrate with their teammates.

Regragui also assured that the technical staff is doing everything possible to provide the necessary support to all the players. Boos can have a negative impact on the players’ performance and diminish their self-confidence, he stressed, calling on supporters to turn this negative energy into positive energy to support the national team and motivate the players to give their best.