The Mobile Unit (ME) was deployed in Rotterdam, Amsterdam and The Hague on Sunday night as riots broke out following Morocco’s World Cup victory over Belgium. Two policemen were injured in the incident. Meanwhile, peace has almost returned to the three cities, police spokesmen tell NU.nl. Several people have been arrested.
The ME made allegations in Rotterdam. Among other things, glass and fireworks were thrown at the officers. A group of around 500 supporters created a gloomy atmosphere, police said.
By 7.30pm things calmed down. Two people were arrested and two officers were injured. “One has hearing damage and the other has something against his head,” a spokesman said. The police do not rule out that other arrests will follow.
There were also many nuisances on the Mercatorplein in Amsterdam-West. Fires have broken out, fireworks have been lit, and people have set fire to a car. Peace has now returned to the streets. One person has been arrested and the Amsterdam police are not ruling out further arrests.
In The Hague it was restless on the Vaillantplein. Fireworks were set off and fans of the Moroccan national team opened car doors to passers-by. In the meantime, peace has returned there too. One person has been arrested.
Slideshow: He’s restless in Amsterdam, The Hague and Rotterdam
Police speak of party atmosphere in other cities
Things have remained quieter in other cities in the Netherlands. Fires broke out here and there in Utrecht and Amersfoort. Police speak of a festive atmosphere there.
The riots broke out on Sunday evening in the Belgian capital Brussels. There, too, fires broke out and cars and electric scooters were destroyed. Police used water cannons and tear gas against rioters.
Morocco surprisingly won on Sunday Belgium 2-0 at the World Cup. The North Africans maintain a good perspective to reach the round of 16.
