FIFA World Cup 2022: Violence in Brussels after Morocco beat Belgium

Police used water cannons to disperse crowds in Belgium's capital after the mood turned sour during the country's shock defeat to Morocco at the FIFA World Cup on Sunday.

Even before the end of the match, "dozens of people, including some wearing hoodies, sought confrontation with the police, which compromised public safety," Brussels police said in a statement.

Rioters smashed shop windows, threw fireworks, and torched vehicles. Videos posted on social media showed people smashing the windows of a red car before flipping it and setting it alight.

Mayor Philippe Close condemned the violence, writing on Twitter that the police were forced to act "harshly."

He issued an order to arrest troublemakers, but it was not immediately clear how many people were detained.

Police sealed off parts of the city center.

Joy in Rabat

Meanwhile in the Moroccan capital, Rabat, people spilled into the streets for spontaneous celebrations.

There was dancing, singing and waving of Moroccan flags, while drivers honked their horns as they drove through the streets of Rabat.

Sunday's victory against Belgium was Morocco's first win at a World Cup since they beat Scotland in 1998.

Both teams still have a chance of advancing to the last 16 of the tournament depending on how their final group stage matches go, with Belgium, set to play Croatia and Morocco set to play Canada.

lo/fb (AFP, AP, dpa)

Source: DW