Belgian police detained a dozen people on Sunday after Morocco‘s victory over Belgium in the FIFA World Cup in Qatar triggered riots in Brussels, with vehicles being set on fire.
What Happened: The riots broke out in several places across Belgium where dozens of soccer fans – many of those draped in Moroccan flags – clashed with police with water cannons and tear gas, reported Reuters.
The fans smashed shop windows, threw fireworks and torched vehicles following Morocco’s shock 2-0 World Cup win over Belgium, according to AFP. Belgium is home to around 500,000 residents of Moroccan descent.
“Around 7 p.m. calm returned and preventive patrols remain in place in the sectors concerned,” police spokesperson Ilse Van de Keere said.
“The rioters used pyrotechnic material, projectiles, sticks and set fire on the public highway,” the police said.
“Also, a journalist was injured in the face by fireworks. It is for these reasons that it was decided to proceed with police intervention, with the deployment of water cannon and the use of tear gas,” the police added.
Meanwhile, Netherlands riot police also carried out baton charges in three cities to contain unruly Moroccan supporters celebrating their team’s victory at the World Cup match.
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