JAKARTA - Belgium supporters went berserk in downtown Brussels after their favorite team lost their opponents in the second match of the 2022 World Cup group stage. The police also took firm action as an anticipatory measure.
Belgium surprisingly lost 0-2 to Morocco as both teams played at Al Thumama Stadium, Sunday, November 27 evening.
As a result, a group of football fans became anarchist in downtown Brussels. Dozens of fans broke the shop window, threw fireworks, and set fire to a number of vehicles.
The police were forced to use tear gas and water cannons to quell larger riots.
The police said indications of riots had been seen before the end of the match. "Dozens of people, including some of them wearing hoodies, provoke confrontation with the police and endanger public safety," police Brussels said in a statement, as reported by Antara via AFP, Monday, November 28.
A spokesman said some of the fans used sticks to hit. Meanwhile, a journalist was reportedly injured in his face due to fireworks.
About a hundred police officers were deployed, while residents were warned to avoid certain areas in the city center. Metro stations are closed and roads are blocked to limit the spread of violence.
"I strongly condemn this afternoon's incident. The police have intervened decisively. Therefore, I suggest that fans not come to the city center. Police are doing everything they can to maintain public order," Brussel Mayor Philippe Close tweeted.
"I have ordered the police to arrest the troublemakers," he continued.
Meanwhile, the defeat to Morocco put Belgium in third place in Group F with three points. The Red Devils are one point adrift of Morocco and Croatia above them.
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