Dozens of fans smashed shop windows, threw fireworks and set cars on fire.
Police say 11 people have been arrested and one is in custody.
Even before the match was over, “dozens of people, some of whom were wearing hoods, tried to confront the police, to the detriment of public safety,” Brussels police said in a statement. An announcement.
A spokesman said some fans were armed with sticks and a journalist “was injured in the face from fireworks”.
About a hundred police were mobilized while residents were warned to avoid certain areas in the city center. Metro stations were closed and streets were cordoned off to limit the spread of violence.
Belgium 🇧🇪 👀💥Towns and cities are currently being destroyed and smashed across Brussels as non-Indigenous riots escalate… https://t.co/u8OewT0aWT
– Suzanne Seddon (@suzseddon) 1669583073000
A surveillance helicopter flew over the city before quieting down again around 7:00pm (18:00GMT). An AFP journalist saw protesters set fire to a car, trash cans and several electric scooters.
“I strongly condemn the incidents this afternoon. The police have strongly intervened. Therefore, I advise fans not to go to the city center. The police are doing all they can to maintain it. public order,” the mayor of Brussels wrote on Twitter. Philippe Close.
“I have ordered the police to proceed with the arrest of the troublemakers.”
Belgium is home to about 500,000 people of Moroccan descent.
In the eastern city of Liege, a group of 50 people attacked a police station, smashed windows and damaged two police cars. The police there also used water cannons.
Shop fronts and bus shelters were vandalized. Incidents also broke out in Antwerp in the north where dozens of people were arrested.
Meanwhile, Dutch riot police carried out baton attacks in three cities to disperse unruly Moroccan football supporters celebrating their team’s victory.
🇧🇪 Émeutes de colons marocains en #Belgique après le match contre le #Morocco. #BELMAR #Bruxelles… https://t.co/AApCV0tGb5
— Damien Rieu (@DamienRieu) 1669564262000
The police acted in Rotterdamwhere about 500 people gather near the city center, as well as in The The HagueAmsterdam and UtrechtDutch police tweeted.
Rotterdam police said: “Supporters threw fireworks and glasses at riot police, who then carried out the charges.”
🚨BREAKING NEWS🚨Brussels, home of the EU parliament, Riots in the streets as Moroccans ‘celebrate’ their victory… https://t.co/X0cWpJ93KG
– UNN (@UnityNewsNet) 1669572283000
Video footage shows police with batons and shields sweeping downtown. Riot police also dispersed fans in Amsterdam and The Hague.
The Netherlands‘ the large Moroccan community erupted in celebration, lighting torches and fireworks and driving around honking car horns and waving Moroccan flags shortly after the match ended.
🇧🇪#Belgium Horror scenes on the streets of Brussels tonight as Moroccans riot to celebrate Morocco with… https://t.co/YCu22CfBtA
— Klaus Arminius (@Klaus_Arminius) 1669584597000
