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Riots erupted in several Belgian and Dutch cities after Morocco’s surprise 2-0 World Cup victory over Belgium.
About 12 people were detained after police deployed water cannon and fired tear gas to disperse crowds in Brussels and eight more in the northern city of Antwerp.
In the Dutch port city of Rotterdam, two police officers were injured. By late Sunday night, an uneasy calm had returned to most of the cities involved.
Dozens of rioters overturned and burned cars, set electric scooters on fire and threw bricks at cars. Brussels police spokesman Ilse Van de Keere said officers were called to the scene after one person suffered facial injuries.
Brussels Mayor Philippe Clos urged people to stay away from the city center and said authorities were doing their best to keep order on the streets. Even subway and tram traffic had to be interrupted by order of the police.
“Those are not fans, they are thugs. Moroccan fans are there to celebrate,” Mr Closs said. Riots also broke out in Antwerp and Liege.
Interior Minister Annelies Verlinden said: “I am saddened to see how some people have abused the situation to go on a rampage.”
Police in the neighboring Netherlands said violence erupted in the port city of Rotterdam as riot police tried to disperse 500 football supporters who threw fireworks and glass at officers. The media reported riots in the capitals Amsterdam and The Hague.
Morocco’s victory was a major upset at the World Cup, celebrated by Moroccan immigrant fans in many Belgian and Dutch cities.
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