World Cup: tensions in Brussels after Morocco’s victory over Belgium

A car overturned, garbage cans burned, street furniture or scooters destroyed… Violence erupted in Brussels on Sunday after Morocco’s beautiful victory over Belgium at the World Cup, several “dozens” caused damage or attacked law enforcement, police said.

Even before the end of the match and the second goal to seal Morocco’s victory, in the city center, “dozens of people, including some in hoods, were rushing to confront the police, endangering public safety,” police said in a press release. release.

She reported the use of pyrotechnics, projectiles thrown, demonstrators armed with sticks, a fire on a public road and the destruction of a traffic light. “At around 3:22 p.m., dozens of people, some of whom were wearing hoods, demanded a clash with police, endangering public safety,” a Belga spokesman told Belga news agency. Brussels police zone.

Wounded journalist

“The journalist was hit in the face by fireworks,” again according to the police, who then decided to intervene with a water cannon and tear gas. One hundred policemen, injured by the shells, were mobilized for this intervention.

Police have asked residents and supporters to avoid certain areas in the city centre. Subway stations were closed and streets closed off to limit crowds.

“I condemn in the strongest terms the incidents that took place this afternoon. The police have already intervened. Therefore, I advise supporters not to come to the city center. The police are using all their means to maintain public order,” Brussels Mayor Philippe Close responded on Twitter. “I instructed the police to carry out an administrative arrest of the troublemakers,” he added.

Belgian daily newspaper La Libre recalls that similar riots broke out in 2017, when Morocco qualified for the previous World Cup.