Police arrest football fans after Morocco World Cup defeat

More than a hundred people were arrested in Brussels after clashes erupted following Morocco’s 2-0 semi-final loss to France in the 2022 World Cup.

According to the police, the detained fans were accused of disturbing public order, causing damage to two police vehicles, and possessing prohibited fireworks.

Parts of the roads in the city centre were cordoned off ahead of the match, according to the report.

Images from Wednesday night showed piles of burning rubbish as well as a large police contingent deployed on the streets of Brussels, with officers clad in riot gear.

Photos published by Belga also showed residents who had started to clean up the streets on Wednesday evening.

Morocco became the first team from Africa to reach the final four in a World Cup after ousting Spain and Portugal in the last 16 and quarterfinals, respectively.

They also beat Belgium in the group stage.

Several people were also arrested amid clashes in Antwerp, to the north of the capital, Belga reported.

dpa/NAN