Riots broke out in several Belgian and Dutch cities after Morocco’s shock 2-0 win over Belgium at the World Cup.
Key points:
- Morocco were underdogs ahead of their 2-0 win over the number two-ranked Belgian side
- After the match, Moroccan fans were filmed burning cars and bombing police in Brussels
- This victory placed Morocco in second place in the standings of its group, Belgium in third place.
Police arrested a dozen people after deploying water cannons and firing tear gas to disperse crowds in Brussels.
Dozens of rioters overturned and torched cars, torched electric scooters and pelted cars with bricks.
Police intervened after a person suffered facial injuries, Brussels police spokeswoman Ilse Van de Keere said.
Brussels Mayor Philippe Close urged people to stay away from the city center and said authorities were doing everything possible to maintain order on the streets.
The circulation of the metro and the tramway had to be interrupted by order of the police.
“They are not supporters, they are rioters. Moroccan fans are there to celebrate,” Mr Close said.
There were also disturbances in the city of Antwerp and Liège.
“It’s sad to see how a few individuals abuse a situation to go wild,” Interior Minister Annelies Verlinden said.
Police in neighboring Holland said violence broke out in the port city of Rotterdam, with riot officers trying to break up a group of 500 football fans who pelted police with fireworks and glass. The media reported unrest in the capital Amsterdam and The Hague.
Morocco’s victory was a major surprise at the World Cup and was celebrated enthusiastically by fans of immigrant Moroccan origin in many Belgian and Dutch cities.
The victory puts Morocco in second place in their group with four points, tied with first-placed Croatia, while Belgium are third with three points.
Morocco will next face Canada, who have lost both matches, while Belgium will face Croatia in a crucial clash that could decide which of the two teams progress in the tournament.
PA
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