World cup riots break out after Morocco’s shock 2-0 win over Belgium

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

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

Police had to seal off parts of the Belgian capital and the port city of Antwerp, while officers also 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 threw bricks at cars, before riot cops moved in when one person suffered facial injuries, according to a police spokesperson.

Dozens of fans also smashed shop windows, threw fireworks and torched vehicles.

Similar demonstrations took place in the port city of Antwerp tonight, where tram traffic had to be interrupted on police orders.

Meanwhile, Brussels mayor Philippe Close urged all football fans to stay away from the city centre 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.

Pictures show smoke rising from burnt out cars and debris on the streets of the cities in the hours following the World Cup clash.

Police said that 11 people had been arrested with one remaining in custody.

It was not immediately clear how many people were detained during the disturbances, but around 100 police officers were rushed to deal with the violent scenes after the full-time whistle.

Thick smoke rising from torched cars filled the streets of Brussels, with football fans also setting off flares.

Footage and pictures from the scene have shown Moroccan supporters wearing and waving flags.

Mr Close said has ordered police to make arrests, adding: ‘I strongly condemn the incidents that occurred this afternoon.

‘The police have already acted harshly. So I advise supporters not to come to the centre. The police are doing everything they can to maintain public order.’

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Police in the neighboring Netherlands said violence erupted in the port city of Rotterdam, with riot officers attempting to break up a group of football supporters who pelted police with fireworks and glass.