Brussels grapples with renewed violence after cup final clashes
Police are facing mounting challenges following a second consecutive night of unrest in Brussels. On Monday evening, 12 administrative arrests were made as officers struggled to contain violent scenes linked to ongoing tensions from Sunday’s Belgian Cup final.
Groups of young people clashed with police officers near Place de la Bourse, setting fires and damaging public property. Police responded with tear gas and water cannon. A separate gathering at Porte de Hal remained peaceful.
The unrest followed a protest against racism and football violence, sparked by the behaviour of some Club Brugge supporters over the weekend.
Some groups travelled through areas like Molenbeek to the match, held at the King Baudouin Stadium in northern Brussels, and caused disturbances in metro stations and residential areas. That unrest led to apparent retaliation after the match, when people from Brussels targeted Club supporters throughout the capital.
An internal review is under way into the policing of Sunday’s match. Politicians and citizens have criticised the responsible authorities for failing to prevent significant damage and confrontations. Investigators are assessing how groups of fans managed to evade surveillance and move through sensitive neighbourhoods unchecked.
On Tuesday, Brussels MP Mathias Vanden Borre of N-VA called for an emergency session of the home affairs committee in the Brussels parliament.
Police forces in the centre of Brussels on Monday night © BELGA PHOTO STEFANIE VAN RYSSEL
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