‘Brugse’ Hooligans invade Molenbeekse DIY store for cup final: « It is no longer visible that they were football supporters » (Brussels)
In the run -up to the cup final in Brussels, 80 people were injured yesterday. 9 of them had to be taken to the hospital. Images on social media also show how a group of hooligans enters a local do-it-yourself store in Molenbeek. The police confirm that it concerns Bruges supporters and that PVs have been written out.
Before, during and after the game between Anderlecht and Club Brugge, several violent incidents have been in the capital. For example, around 1 pm the police had to keep two supporters clans apart at Central Station. The atmosphere was also tough at the stadium itself, so even the water cannon had to be used. One supporter was taken to the hospital when a rocket in the hand exploded. During the competition, there were also constant popping and there was a lot of Bengal fire to be seen.
A man is surrounded and attacked in Molenbeek. A little further on, Brugse hooligans invad a do-it-yourself store. – © RR
A very violent incident has also been mapped in Molenbeek. Videos that Jamal Ikazboan-PS deputy in Brussels-shared on X shows how a group of people invade in a local do-it-yourself store in Molenbeek. There is kicking and beating. « The manager was attacked by hooligans, » says Ikazboan. « They didn’t even wear a football sweater. They were dressed in black and were with a lot. They were only out to fight and the inhabitants racistly insult. » According to Ikazboan, the manager of the store was injured and taken to the hospital. « The man is a known figure in the neighborhood. » According to the police, the man is not in a coma, as previously claimed on social media.
At RTL, the sister of the business manager testifies: « My brother and cousin have been beaten up by a group of at least 50 people. They have been admitted to the hospital. You must know that the owner of the store is an older man who has just had a major operation. His son has been badly injured in the face. » The family indicates that it will certainly submit a complaint.
Another witness to the incident, who would rather remain anonymous, explains to RTL that he was getting several blows. « I drove my scooter and suddenly I got a blow in the face. Fortunately I had my helmet on, but I got several blows. After that, other people who also hit me. I tried to hold on to my scooter and finally flee. »
Other images show how a man is surrounded and turried. The videos were made on a few hundred meters from the do-it-yourself store. Later the supporters would also have attacked another case in Jette. In the afternoon, a dozen supporters were arrested administratively.
Even after the game, supporters were arrested.
After the game, a few supporters were arrested again, the atmosphere remained tense all evening. The Federal Public Service Public Health made the balance last night and announced that around 80 people needed medical care, of whom 9 were taken to the hospital. (ABA/JDG)
Before the competition, the police had to use the water cannon on the Houba de Strooperlaan. – © Belga
