Riots in Brussels after World Cup game

Riots broke out in Brussels during the Red Devils' World Cup match against Morocco on Sunday afternoon. Prime minister De Croo and Interior minister Annelies Verlinden condemned the riots. Meanwhile, the STIB closed six metro and pre-metro stations in Brussels.

The riots in Brussels started this afternoon during the Red Devils' World Cup match against Morocco. Interior minister Annelies Verlinden (CD&V) said it was "sad to see a few people taking advantage of the situation to riot". Belgian prime minister De Croo also disappointedly reacted: "Football should be a celebration," he said.

About 100 police officers had to intervene against rioters who destroyed street furniture and threw projectiles at the officers. Police also used a water cannon.

As a security measure, the Brussels transport company closed six metro and pre-metro stations. Especially in the centre of Brussels and in the South District, but also in Molenbeek, metro stations were closed by order of the police: the metro stations of Black Ponds, Count of Flanders and Beekkant and the pre-metro stations Anneessens, Lemonnier and Beurs. Trams and metro trains will pass through the stations, but no stops will be made. Therefore, no passengers can board or alight there either.

"The metro stations were pre-emptively closed on police orders. This was done mainly to prevent the tumult above ground from spreading underground," said STIB spokesperson An Van hamme.

"The situation is constantly changing because the riots are moving," she added. "Travellers who want real-time information should keep an eye on STIB's Twitter channel."

^{Clashes in Brussels after the World Cup football match between Belgium and Morocco - Brussels, Belgium - November 27, 2022 A man with his face covered is seen during clashes after the World Cup match between Belgium and Morocco}

^{© ​ REUTERS/Yves Herman}