Moroccan fans riot in Brussels after sealing World Cup qualification

Morocco's qualification for the 2018 FIFA World Cup was met with violent celebrations after more than 20 police officers were injured in Brussels.

Morocco

Belgian police attempt to contain Morocco fans on the streets of Brussels Source: Supplied

After goals to Nabil Dirar and Medhi Benatia secured Morocco's 2-0 win over Ivory Coast, and their place in next year's tournament, expatriate fans living in Belgium took to the streets with what has since been labelled "unacceptable agression" from the nation's Interior Minister Jan Jambon.

Burnt cars, shattered glass and damaged stores decorated the streets of Brussels on Sunday (AEDT).
Brussels
Riot police soon intervened and brought things under control, using a large water cannon to handle wild Moroccan fans that were reportedly hurling stones.
Riot squad in #Brussels ! pic.twitter.com/7Hy2QLltgS — Bekah Molony (@BekahMolony_) November 11, 2017
The damage did not end there however, as Moroccan fans living in the Netherlands lit green and red flares and threw various objects at officers on the roads of Rotterdam.

Jambon has voiced his displeasure with the behaviour, calling on all members of the public to maintain a mutual respect for one another.

"Living together means respect, also for the police who are committed to our safety day and night," Jambon said.

Morocco will return to the World Cup for the first time since 1998.


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1 min read
Published 13 November 2017 12:47pm
Source: SBS The World Game

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