A pre-match press conference for Morocco's World Cup quarter-final against France descended into chaos on Tuesday afternoon when two journalists came to blows, leaving Real Madrid star Brahim Diaz visibly shocked.
Press Conference Disrupted by Physical Altercation
Diaz was answering questions ahead of the Atlas Lions' quarter-final encounter with the 2018 World Cup winners when mayhem broke out inside the press conference room. Midway through a question about the squad's mentality, proceedings ground to an abrupt halt as a journalist could be heard shouting: "But why did you hit me? But why did you hit me? You can't hit me."
A member of staff on the stage, thought to be the press officer, tried to restore calm, shouting: "Hey, hey, gentlemen, please, gentlemen." Yet the confrontation continued, with the journalist persistently claiming he had been hit by the other reporter involved.
Diaz Struggles to Contain Reaction
A clearly shocked Diaz struggled to keep his composure, with the former Manchester City star barely managing to contain his grins and suppressed laughter. The press officer then said: "Apologies, Brahim - go ahead, thank you," prompting the Real Madrid star to reply: "I forgot the question" as the non-fighting reporters in the venue broke out into laughs.
Morocco, who reached the semi-finals at the previous World Cup, have delivered an impressive performance throughout the tournament in North America. Following an opening-day draw with Brazil, the Atlas Lions swept aside both Scotland and Haiti to comfortably secure their place in the round of 32. In one of the standout fixtures of the round, Morocco and the Netherlands could not be separated until a penalty shootout, with the North Africans keeping their composure to progress. A dominant victory over co-hosts Canada in the round of 16 then saw Morocco march into the last eight, where they now meet pre-tournament favourites France.
Upcoming Clash Against France
Diaz and his team-mates will need the same level of fight against the World Cup favourites. They come up against a France side who have scored 14 goals against Senegal, Iraq, Norway, Sweden and Paraguay, conceding only two goals.
