Riots have broken out in Brussels, Belgian capital city after the European country lost to Morocco in the ongoing 2022 FIFA World Cup in Qatar.
Rioters have started fires and pelted cars with bricks in Brussels following Belgium’s shock 2-0 loss to Morocco, according to Daily Mail.
Police have to seal off parts of the city centre, deployed water cannons and fired tear gas to disperse crowds as violence broke out following the Group F match.
Dozens of rioters set steps on fire and pelted cars with bricks, before police moved in when one person suffered facial injuries, according to a police spokesperson.
Mayor of Brussels, Philippe Close, urged soccer fans to stay away from the city centre and said authorities were doing their utmost to keep order in the streets.
Even subway and tram traffic had to be interrupted on police orders.
Morocco’s victory was a major upset at the biggest soccer tournament and was enthusiastically celebrated by fans with Moroccan immigrant roots in many Belgian cities.
It was not immediately clear how many people were detained during the disturbances.
“I strongly condemn the incidents that occurred this afternoon.
“The police have already acted harshly. So I advise supporters not to come to the centre. The police are doing everything they can to maintain public order,” the Mayor said.
LEADERSHIP earlier reported that Morocco recorded a shock 2-0 win against Belgium in their Qatar 2022 World Cup Group F encounter on Sunday.
Second half goals from Andelhamid Sabiri and Zakaria Aboukhlal secured Morocco’s third-ever win at the World Cup.
Morocco went into the game on the back of a goalless draw against Croatia while Belgium pipped Canada in their opener.
Hakim Ziyech thought he had given Morocco the lead in first half added time but his effort was disallowed for offside.
The deadlock was eventually broken on 73rd minute through Sabiri whose freekick close to the corner flag sailed into the net.
And in the 92nd minute, Aboukhlal made it 2-0 as he slammed home a cutback.
Morocco will now take on Canada and will seal Round of 16 qualification with just a point.
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