Dozens of people sparked disturbances on Sunday in central Brussels following a World Cup match in Qatar that saw Morocco defeat Belgium. Vehicles and street furniture were damaged, and police were forced to intervene to restore order.
Officials reported that the city’s mayor condemned the unrest and urged fans to avoid the city center. He said authorities would respond decisively to maintain public safety.
Police stated they used all available resources to keep the peace and confirmed that administrative detention would continue for those identified as rebels.
The situation gradually quieted, with a coordinated effort from command units and police zones in the area. The city center remained tense as officers worked to prevent further clashes.
Images from local outlets showed fans damaging a car, some carrying the Moroccan flag and others setting scooters alight. Reports described the use of pyrotechnics, projectiles, sticks, and arson on public roads, as well as damage to traffic signals and vehicles in the area.
One officer called on residents to stay away from the center, deploying tear gas and two water cannons to disperse crowds. Several metro stations and some streets were temporarily closed to traffic, disrupting public transport as a precaution.
The police had a heightened presence for the match, which ended with a 2-0 win for Morocco, and the subsequent unrest led to injuries and property damage. In contrast, celebrations continued in other parts of the city where a sizable Moroccan community lives, with no reports of further incidents at that time.