Par Trek - the fans new frontier

To boldly go where no Dunfermline Athletic Fans have gone before!

Fasten your seats belts and please ensure that your seats are in an upright position, you are about to land at Casablanca International Airport.

Four members of the Lothian 68 Travel Club were on the morning flight from Agadir to Casablanca and had the pleasure of travelling in the company of the players and officials. Twelve fans travelled on the 13.35 flight from Agadir. The team bus had been sent back out and was waiting at Casablanca Airport to take them to their hotel.

This worked well and the Lothian 68 guys were already in pole position at the bar when the bus arrived. There was slight confusion created by the bus driver about tickets and transport but officials of Raja Casablanca arrived at the Hotel and sold us match tickets.

Very pretty souvenirs these tickets are too being in full colour with the two club logos and carrying a photograph of Said Saddiki in whose benefit the match was being played.

The troops piled into taxis and were whisked through the Casablanca streets and around all the traffic barriers around the ground until walking was necessary. Through two control points and ushered into the Mohammad V Stadium – Morocco’s National Stadium. After passing an area where Muslims were praying on carpets the Pars fans arrived at the top of a stairway leading to their seats.

Confusion is a part of Moroccan life one feels because there was then no suggestion where next. When the kilted and black and white branded supporters made their way to the front of the stand which erupted in applause. The authorities then took note and indicated that an area just behind the VIP box had been earmarked for the travellers from afar.

The crowd then booed at the removal from a very prominent position and people reached hands of friendship to shake the Pars fans hands as they moved to their appointed place. One Moroccan passed over a Raja flag.

The seats were good and as there was no one behind standing was possible for the whole match. There was much singing (more about that separately – Parfect harmony). At half time all the Dunfermline supporters were invited into the VIP hospitality area for orange juice, minted tea and cakes.

The Chief of Police then asked to have his photograph taken with the Pars supporters before the second half recommenced. The travelling support sung continuously and beat a drum. The Dunfermline directors turned occasionally to encourage more chants.

When the match ended a local announced Dunfermline fans 10 Raja fans 0. Chairman John Yorkston came and thanked the supporters and presented a large bouquet of flowers that he had been given to the five ladies in the company. After the players had left the park the visitors from Dunfermline were allowed on to the playing surface to take photographs. The Moroccan photo posse crowded around and even took photographs of themselves with the fans!

Escorts appeared to lead the delighted Dunfermline support out of the stadium. Again the police managed to get overexcited and asked the fans to sit in the team bus. They had wanted just to go to their taxis but this was not permitted and of course confusion arose when the players and officials appeared.

The bus was too small for everyone so it was instructed to return for the fans. Off went the bus and then the police decided that the fans could not wait there and they were poured into taxis back to their hotel.

The match was a totally unforgettable experience. A night that no one connected with the club will ever forget and here’s hoping that Dunfermline will be invited back to Morocco soon!

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