Brussels experienced further unrest on Monday night, following violence the previous day in the aftermath of the Belgian Cup final.
Numerous calls to protest against racism and the violence of some Club Brugge supporters had circulated earlier on Monday on social media. The Brussels police carried out around 20 preventive arrests, yet clashes erupted throughout the evening.
On Sunday, Brussels had witnessed severe disturbances. Hooligans from Brugge targeted shops in Molenbeek-Saint-Jean and Jette, assaulting residents.
Videos shared online depicted particularly brutal scenes, including shattered windows, damaged street furniture, and fireworks launched into crowds, creating an atmosphere of high tension.
On Monday, calls to protest at Porte de Hal and Place de la Bourse against racism and violence were launched. While events at Porte de Hal remained calm, tensions flared elsewhere.
Police arrested around 20 minors near Rue Neuve for throwing projectiles. At the Place de la Bourse, where a weekly pro-Palestine demonstration was being held, several dozen youths joined in, then confronted the police.
Law enforcers used water cannons and tear gas as troublemakers caused damage and ignited fires, particularly on Boulevard du Midi and at the Porte d’Anderlecht.
