Riots broke out in several Belgian and Dutch cities after Morocco’s 2-0 upset win over Belgium at the World Cup on Sunday.
Police detained at least 12 people after using water cannon and firing tear gas to disperse crowds in Brussels and eight more in Antwerp, AP reported.
In Brussels, dozens of rioters overturned and burnt cars, threw bricks at vehicles set fire to electric scooters.
Police moved in after one person suffered facial injuries, said Brussels police spokeswoman Ilse Van de Keere.
Subway and tram traffic was interrupted by police orders.
Brussels Mayor Philippe Close urged people to stay away from the city centre.
“Those are not fans, they are rioters. Moroccan fans are there to celebrate,” Mr Close said.
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Morocco players celebrate the 2-0 Group F win against Belgium at Al Thumama Stadium on November 27, 2022 in Doha. Getty -
Achraf Hakimi and Hakim Ziyech celebrate. Getty -
Morocco fans celebrate after the 2-0 win. Getty -
Toby Alderweireld and Dries Mertens of Belgium look dejected. Getty -
Morocco players after their incredible win. Getty -
Morocco players celebrate after Abdelhamid Sabiri scored in the Group F match against Belgium at the Al-Thumama Stadium in Doha on November 27, 2022. AFP -
Abdelhamid Sabiri (bottom R) of Morocco celebrates with teammates after scoring. EPA -
Abdelhamid Sabiri celebrates after scoring. Getty -
Thibaut Courtois of Belgium dives in vain as Abdelhamid Sabiri scores for Morocco. Getty -
Abdelhamid Sabiri celebrates with Yahya Attiat-Allah. Getty -
Morocco's Munir El Kajoui celebrates after Abdelhamid Sabiri scores. Reuters -
Belgium's Kevin De Bruyne in action. Reuters -
Morocco midfielder Selim Amallah controls the ball past Belgium's midfielder Kevin De Bruyne. AFP -
Morocco's Youssef En-Nesyri and Belgium defender Jan Vertonghen fight for the ball. AFP -
Belgium's Leandro Trossard tries to get past Morocco's Noussair Mazraoui. PA -
Morocco's Abdelhamid Sabiri celebrates scoring the opening goal. PA -
Morocco take the lead against Belgium. PA -
Abdelhamid Sabiri of Morocco celebrates. Getty
There were also disturbances in the city of Liege.
“Sad to see how a few individuals abuse a situation to run amok,” said Interior Minister Annelies Verlinden.
Police in the neighbouring Netherlands said violence erupted in the port city of Rotterdam, with riot officers attempting to break up a group of 500 people who pelted police with fireworks and glass.
Two police officers were injured in Rotterdam. By late on Sunday evening, an uneasy calm had returned to most of the cities involved, AP said.
Media also reported unrest in the Netherlands' capital Amsterdam and The Hague.
Morocco’s victory was a major upset at the World Cup and was celebrated by fans with Moroccan immigrant roots in many Belgian and Dutch cities.
