Rioters set blazes and pelt cars with bricks in Brussels after Belgium lose to Morocco at World Cup 

Belgian riot police fire tear gas and water cannons at violent crowds setting fires and smashing cars in Brussels as world No2 side Belgium LOSE to Morocco 2-0 in another major Qatar World Cup upset

Rioters have started fires and pelted cars with bricks in Brussels following Belgium’s shock 2-0 loss to Morocco at the World Cup.

Police had to seal off parts of the city centre, deployed water cannons and fired tear gas to disperse crowds as violence broke out following the match. 

Dozens of rioters set steps on fire and pelted cars with bricks, before police moved in when one person suffered facial injuries, according to a police spokesperson.

Brussels mayor Philippe Close urged soccer fans to stay away from the city center and said authorities were doing their utmost to keep order in the streets. Even subway and tram traffic had to be interrupted on police orders.

Clashes in Brussels after the World Cup football match between Belgium and Morocco this evening

Morocco’s victory was a major upset at the tournament and was enthusiastically celebrated by fans with Moroccan immigrant roots in many Belgian cities.

It was not immediately clear how many people were detained during the disturbances.