brussels is grappling with unrest following the Belgian cup final between Club Brugge and RSCA Anderlecht. Twelve individuals were arrested last night after a second consecutive night of disturbances in the Belgian capital.

the Spark: A Contentious Cup Final

Tensions ignited after Sunday’s cup final, escalating into widespread violence. Social media played a significant role in amplifying the unrest, with calls for “riot” circulating online, according to reports.

Motives behind the Mayhem

while the cup final served as the initial catalyst, reports suggest deeper motivations fueled the riots. The latest news indicates that the disturbances were partly framed as a protest against alleged racism and violence perpetrated by some Club Brugge supporters the previous day.

Escalation: From Protest to Destruction

The situation intensified during a weekly pro-palestine exhibition at Beursplein, where young people engaged in acts of arson and vandalism. Clashes with police ensued, further exacerbating the chaos.

Police Response and Aftermath

Prior to the main outbreak, Brussels police conducted approximately 20 preventive arrests in an attempt to quell the rising tensions. However, these measures proved insufficient to prevent the subsequent wave of destruction. Law enforcement deployed water cannons and tear gas in an effort to disperse the crowds.

At the moment the situation is again under control, but our patrols remain active in the field to maintain order.

Spokesperson, brussels Police

Despite the police efforts, a trail of destruction was left in the city.