Riots in Brussels after World Cup defeat

Following Morocco’s win against Belgium in the FIFA World Cup group stage, riots broke out in Brussels’ city centre on Sunday.

A hundred police officers were dispatched to disperse protesters who destroyed street furniture and threw projectiles at the police.

According to reports, “dozens of people, including some wearing hoodies, sought confrontation with the police, which compromised public safety,” adding that at least 10 people were arrested for their involvement.

The Brussels-Capital/Ixelles police zone has urged the public to avoid the area around Boulevard du Midi and the adjacent streets in its post on Twitter.

Brussels Mayor, Philippe Close, in his tweet said, “I condemn in the strongest possible terms the incidents of this afternoon. The police have already intervened firmly.

I, therefore, advise supporters not to come to the city centre. The police are using all their resources to maintain public order.”