Riots break out after Belgium’s shock World Cup loss to Morocco

Morocco’s win which was a major upset at the tournament was enthusiastically celebrated by fans with Moroccan immigrant roots in many Belgian and Dutch cities. A chaotic scene however ensued after supporters of both countries clashed in the European cities.

In Brussels, the police detained about a dozen people after they deployed water cannons and fired tear gas to disperse crowds. About eight persons were also arrested in the Northern city of Antwerp.  There was also a riot in Liege.

Commenting on the riot, Brussels’ mayor Philippe Close urged people to stay away from the city center and said authorities were doing their utmost to keep order in the streets.

He said;

“Those are not fans, they are rioters. Moroccan fans are there to celebrate.”

The country’s Interior Minister Annelies Verlinden also said;

“Sad to see how a few individuals abuse a situation to run amok.”