Interior minister condemns violence after Africa Cup final
Belgium’s Interior minister, Bernard Quintin, has condemned the violence that broke out in Brussels and Antwerp after the Africa Cup of Nations final on Sunday night, in which Senegal beat Morocco 1-0 after extra time.
In Brussels, unrest erupted near the Zwarte Vijvers metro station in Molenbeek. Hundreds of people gathered on the square, setting off fireworks and throwing objects such as barriers. Journalists were targeted and one petrol bomb was thrown. Volunteers, including local councillors, tried to calm the situation.
In Antwerp, police were also confronted with disturbances. A De Lijn bus was pelted with eggs and stones were thrown at officers. Nine people were arrested. Police said the situation became more tense around midnight but did not develop into full-scale riots.
Quintin reacted sharply, saying “the time for excuses is over”. He called for those responsible to face the strictest punishment and to pay for all damage caused. He says violent groups are damaging neighbourhoods and harming the image of entire communities.
The final itself was also marked by unrest. On the pitch, heated protests followed a disputed penalty decision, with players briefly leaving the field. FIFA president Gianni Infantino later condemned the “unacceptable scenes” during the match and called for disciplinary action.
Football fans at Zwarte Vijvers metro station after the Africa Cup of Nations final © BELGA PHOTO TIMON RAMBOER
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