Police deployed a water cannon and teargas to disperse crowds after the violence.
Police in Brussels were forced to seal off parts of the city centre after riots broke out in the aftermath of Belgium’s 2-0 defeat to Morocco.
Abdelhamid Sabiri netted to put the North African country ahead on 73 minutes before Zakaria Aboukhlal deservedly doubled their lead in stoppage time.
The result comes following Belgium’s narrow win against Canada and leaves Group F hangs in the balance.
A defeat to group leaders Croatia on Thursday would send Belgium home early from the World Cup, a far sight from their efforts in 2018 in Russia where they finished third.
Fans reacted angrily to the result, with dozens of rioters torching a car in the capital city.
Riots have broken out in Brussels, #Belgium following the 2-0 defeat against #Morocco in soccer’s World Cup 👀💨
— No Jumper (@nojumper) November 27, 2022
Police had to seal off parts of the centre of the capital and deployed water cannons and teargas to disperse crowds after the violence.
One person suffered facial injuries, Brussels police spokesperson Ilse Van de Keere said.
The mayor of Brussels, Philippe Close, urged people to stay away from the city centre, adding that the authorities were doing their utmost to retain order in the streets.
Train and tram traffic was also interrupted on police orders during the unrest. There were also disturbances in the city of Antwerp.
Police in the Netherlands said violence erupted in the port city of Rotterdam as riot officers attempted to break up a group of 500 football supporters who threw fireworks and glass at police officers.
Police sealed off parts of the centre of Brussels, deployed water cannons and fired tear gas to disperse crowds following violence during and after Morocco beat Belgium in #FIFAWorldCup ⤵️
🔗: https://t.co/aR9L2Y4VWo pic.twitter.com/lFaJcWJrGe
— Al Jazeera English (@AJEnglish) November 27, 2022
Related links:
- England fans ‘made to strip naked’ after dressing as Crusaders in Qatar
- World Cup 2022 Day Seven: All the major action and talking points
- Roy Keane shoots down England kick-off time excuse after USA draw
