Before the match even ended, “dozens of people, some of them wearing balaclavas, sought a confrontation with the police, which compromised public safety”, the police announced in a statement.
So far the use of pyrotechnics, projectiles being thrown, demonstrators armed with sticks, a fire on the public highway and the destruction of a traffic light have been reported.
“A journalist was injured in the face by fireworks”, according to the police, who decided to intervene with a water cannon and tear gas.
Around one hundred police officers were mobilised for this intervention.
Residents and fans were asked to avoid certain areas of the city centre. Metro stations were closed and streets blocked off to limit crowds.
“I condemn in the strongest possible terms the incidents of this afternoon. The police have already intervened firmly. I therefore advise supporters not to come to the city centre. The police are using all their resources to maintain public order,” reacted the mayor of Brussels, Philippe Close, on Twitter.
“I have ordered the police to make administrative arrests of the troublemakers,” he added.
