The Tartan Army subjected Achraf Hakimi to a relentless barrage of boos every time he touched the ball during Morocco’s 1-0 win over Scotland in Boston – hours after a French appeals court confirmed the Paris St-Germain defender must stand trial for rape.
The Morocco captain, who denies any wrongdoing, responded by whipping up the Moroccan fans and urging them to raise their voices during corners. Fans on X noted the hostility: “Am I dreaming or are the Scottish fans not stopping with the ‘boo’s at Achraf Hakimi?” one wrote. Another said: “They boo Hakimi every single time he touches the ball.”
“Morocco captain Achraf Hakimi was booed by Scotland fans after a court confirmed he must stand trial for rape.”
The booing came after the Versailles appeals court ruled that Hakimi should be formally charged with rape, following recommendations from public prosecutors. An investigating judge had ordered a trial in February 2026, and the player’s recent appeal to have the case dismissed failed.
The accusation dates back to 2023, when a 24-year-old woman alleged she was raped at Hakimi’s home in a Paris suburb. The pair are said to have met on Instagram weeks before. The public prosecutor’s office in Nanterre began a preliminary investigation in March 2023, and Hakimi was placed under judicial supervision with a restraining order barring him from contacting the alleged victim.
Morocco manager Mohamed Ouahbi insisted his team are “behind” their captain. “We don’t have to say anything – we’re behind him, he’s very relaxed and hopefully he’s going to show he’s the best wingback in the world,” Ouahbi said. “Did you see the game? Hakimi was extraordinary so we’re very relaxed.”
Hakimi took to social media on Friday with a defiant statement. “The justice system looked me in the eye and said, ‘If you weren’t famous, there would never have been a case,’” he wrote. “I chose to remain silent for years. I believed that maintaining my dignity, being patient, and trusting in the justice system would allow the right decisions to be made. Today, a story that isn’t mine is being told at the expense of my family, my life, and above all, the truth. I sometimes feel like I’ve become an easy target. I’ve been waiting for this trial since day one. And now I’m eagerly awaiting it. Finally, I’ll be able to speak.”
Rachel-Flore Pardo, the plaintiff’s lawyer, said in a statement: “After more than three years of legal proceedings, and after my client was, in her view, defamed and dragged through the mud by Achraf Hakimi’s defence, this decision brings her relief and hope. Relief that she has been heard by the justice system and will have the right to a trial. Hope that this trial will help other women and further weaken the wall of denial and impunity surrounding sexual violence, including in the world of men’s football.”
No date has been set for the start of the trial, which is expected to take place after Morocco’s World Cup campaign. Should Morocco progress to the knockout stages, Hakimi could face difficulties entering Canada or Mexico if their matches are scheduled outside the United States. Last week, Ghana midfielder Thomas Partey missed his country’s opener against Panama after being denied entry to Canada. Partey has pleaded not guilty to seven charges of rape and one count of sexual assault.